Genetic toxicology represents the study of genetic damage, the agents that induce such damage, the mechanisms that respond within cells and the potential consequences of the damage or the damage responses. Genotoxic agents are abundant in the environment (often due to human activity) and the consequences of the effects they have on humans include carcinogenesis and teratogenesis. Because of the importance of the field and the rapid progress made in the last 15 years many disciplines are represented (structural, molecular and cellular biology, genetics, biochemistry, epidemiology and toxicology). Thus, individual scientists in both industry and academia require a forum to exchange ideas and initiate cross-disciplinary collaborations.

The 2007 Gordon Research Conference on Genetic Toxicology aims to bring together a broad spectrum of scientists whose work impacts upon the field with the aim of disseminating current advances and stimulating debate to address future developments. Genetic Toxicology ranges from basic research on DNA damage and damage response mechanisms through applied research exploiting such knowledge to the policy implications. Thus the bringing together basic and applied scientists from academia, industry and government is essential to drive the field forward in an optimal manner. Participants will include those at the cutting edge of basic research and those driving technology developments within applied areas. In keeping with the ethos of Gordon research Conferences, while information will be disseminated by speaker and poster presentations, discussion will be the key focus after each presentation. Designated discussion leaders recognised for their skills in each particular area will guide these audience-led discussions.

Multiple model systems, experimental approaches and technical disciplines are represented in the field. Furthermore, the response to genetic damage interfaces closely with many aspects of cellular metabolism (i.e. replication, transcription, cell cycle regulation and cell death). To accommodate these facts we have designed the 2007 conference around the following four themes:

• Endogenous and Induced DNA damage
• Mutagenesis and DNA repair
• Replication and links to genotoxicity
• Chromatin and cell fate decisions

Each theme has been loosely subdivided into "causes, mechanisms, signalling and consequences".

The location will be Magdalen College, Oxford, UK, which previously proved to be an excellent setting conducive to provoking discussion and interaction. Around 120 scientists will attend.