* Alongside the 43rd Annual Meeting of the STOX 2024 also held at the LPU campus

LPU’s Department of Zoology and Botany, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences organized the International Conference on Current Trends in Toxicology (ICCTT 2024) and the 43rd Annual Meeting of the STOX 2024. This conference was organized in collaboration with the Society of Toxicology (STOX 2024) India. DST’s Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) co-sponsored the conference. The Society of Toxicology (STOX) India, committed to advancing the field and educating the next generation of toxicologists, emphasized the importance of good laboratory practices. The international conference focused on vital human health and environmental safety issues, aiming to highlight recent advancements in toxicology. Distinguished national and international guests from leading institutions graced the event.

Dr.Lovi Raj Gupta, Pro Vice-Chancellor of LPU, alongside Dr. Neeta Raj Sharma, Senior Dean, Head School of Bioengineering and Biosciences LPU, welcomed the Vice-Chancellor of GADVASU, Dr. Jatinder Paul Singh Gill, and Dr. Alok Dhawan, Director of the CBMR, Lucknow. In the opening remarks, Dr.Lovi Raj Gupta talked about the significance of the conference in enhancing scientific knowledge and promoting evidence-based practices in toxicology. Dr. Gupta remarked, “This platform addresses critical public health issues and encourages innovative research aimed at environmental safety.”

Dr. Jatinder Paul Singh Gill encouraged young toxicologists to drive transformative changes by developing cost-effective screening tests to optimize research processes. Dr. Gill stated “These affordable screening methods will allow preliminary sample assessments before engaging in expensive techniques like LC-MS, UPLC, and HPLC. This strategy will promote cost-effectiveness and prioritize environmental health.”

Dr. Alok Dhawan urged participants to adopt a comprehensive perspective on toxicology, emphasizing its extensive implications for both human and ecological health. “We stand at a crucial juncture in toxicological research, where our knowledge can catalyze practical solutions to safeguard our future”.

Following the scientific sessions, attendees participated in a workshop organized by the CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicological Research (IITR), Lucknow, designed to deepen their understanding of advancements in toxicological research. The event also featured the launch of an abstract book that showcased a wide range of research papers authored by LPU researchers, aimed at enhancing toxicological practices.

Other dignitaries, Prof. S. Raisuddin from Medical Elementology and Toxicology at Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi; Prof. Gareth Jenkins, Professor of Molecular Carcinogenesis at the Institute of Life Sciences, Swansea; and Prof. Sepideh Arbabi Bidgoli from Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Sciences, also expressed their views on current trends in toxicology. The conference deepened participants’ understanding of toxicology and inspired them to adopt multifaceted approaches, uplifting their efforts to advance the field.