Conference Description
Fungal, algal, and cyanobacterial toxins are naturally occurring food and water contaminants that adversely affect human and animal health. A multidisciplinary approach is critical in detecting, understanding, managing, and mitigating their health and economic impacts. The 2021 Gordon Research Conference on Mycotoxins and Phycotoxins will provide a forum for academic, government, and private sector scientists to exchange ideas on harnessing advances in biology, chemistry, ecology, plant pathology, epidemiology, and risk assessment to address the problems associated with the occurrence of those natural toxins. The goal of the conference is to bring together a wide range of outstanding senior scientists, young investigators, and students to address the task of ensuring the safety of food and water supplies. Interactions between junior and senior scientists will strongly be promoted in the best tradition of Gordon Research Conferences and contribute to the evolution of new strategies for dealing with the complex problems presented by naturally occurring toxins. Vigorous discussions guided by discussion leaders recognized for their expertise in each particular area will be key for the conference. Dedicated daily poster sessions will provide an opportunity for fertile cross-disciplinary interactions and ample time is foreseen for that.
The Gordon Research Seminar, immediately preceding the GRC, will be organized and conducted by graduate students and postdoctoral scientists from the many disciplines involved in advancing mycotoxin and phycotoxin research. Junior scientists will present their work in a formal, oral format and engage in discussions with their peers. The environment will be welcoming and collegial and will provide an unmatched opportunity for future researchers to interact with established scientists. Two leading students from this seminar will additionally present within the GRS.
