The International Society on Toxinology was founded in 1962 by a group of scientists and clinicians interested in advancing the science of toxicology. This includes basic toxin research, applied toxin research (such as using toxins as research tools or leads for drug development), the epidemiology of toxin-induced diseases, and the clinical effects of toxins and associated treatments. The Society held its first international meeting in 1966 in Atlantic City, USA, and Toxicon, the official journal of the Society, was first published in 1963.
The original purpose of this Society was to advance knowledge for venomous and poisonous animals, plants, and microorganisms; toxins derived from these organisms; clinical observations on poisoning and envenoming; the development of antivenoms; and the use of toxins as research tools, pharmaceuticals, and insecticides. It also aimed to bring together scholars interested in these topics through a common Society. While this extensive purpose remains valid, the scope of toxin-related research continues to expand and evolve, and the Society embraces these changes. Some Society members are involved in developing new toxin-based drug leads, extending to clinical trials of such pharmaceuticals, while others may study or treat envenoming and poisoning caused by toxins or advocate for global action to address toxin-induced diseases such as snakebite. All these activities fall within the broad purpose of the Society, as represented in presentations at congresses and elsewhere.
Membership consists of individuals who have conducted and published meritorious original investigations in Toxinology. Those who do not qualify for membership but are interested in the field of Toxinology are eligible for associate membership.
The IST operates under a Constitution (downloadable as a PDF) and a clear animal ethics policy (also downloadable as a PDF). The Society strongly supports and advocates for the humane treatment of all experimental animals and the development, wherever possible, of alternative investigative tools that reduce and avoid animal experimentation.
The World Congress is the premier scientific (and social) meeting of the IST, currently held every two years. The previous IST World Congress took place in Abu Dhabi, UAE, in 2022 and in Singapore, Singapore, in 2024. The next World Congress will be held in the Pan-American region in 2026, with dates and location to be confirmed.
Don’t miss these major events! Support the IST and enhance your learning and information dissemination by attending IST congresses.
