The European Society of Toxicology In Vitro (ESTIV) will hold its 23rd international congress at MECC Maastricht from 29 June to 2 July 2026. This scientific society is dedicated to the advancement of in vitro toxicology, a research area that focuses on testing the safety of substances without the use of animal tests. Bearing the inspiring theme ‘Ensuring Safety, Advancing Science: Bridging to the Future with NAMs’, ESTIV 2026 will centre around the rise of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and the role they play in guaranteeing safety, stimulating innovation and shaping the future of toxicology. The conference is expected to draw 400 researchers and policymakers to Maastricht.
Helena Kandarova, ESTIV president: ‘Its rich history of bridging cultures and ideas makes the city of Maastricht the ideal setting for the ESTIV 2026 Congress. MECC Maastricht boasts modern facilities and a large infrastructure, offering a professional and inspiring environment to promote new approach methodologies (NAMs) and integrate them in the toxicology of the 21st century.’
About ESTIV
The European Society of Toxicology In Vitro (ESTIV) is a scientific society dedicated to advancing in vitro toxicology – testing the safety of substances such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics without the use of animal tests. The organisation promotes the development, application and acceptance of innovative, ethical and reliable testing methods, such as New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) in toxicology and risk assessment. ESTIV connects researchers, policymakers and industry through congresses, training and scientific collaboration. The ESTIV Congress has been held every two years in different European cities since 1980. Previous locations include Stockholm, Lisbon, Jean-Les-Pins, Berlin, Sitges and Prague. For further information: www.estiv.org/congress2026.
Bringing ESTIV 2026 to Maastricht was made possible by the close collaboration between ESTIV and Klinkhamer | conferences & events, ESTIV’s regular Professional Congress Organizer (PCO). Thanks to their extensive experience in organising international scientific conferences and their strong local anchoring in Maastricht, Klinkhamer played a key role in the choice of the city as host location.
Picture from left to right:
Anne Dassen – Project Manager Klinkhamer | conferences & events, Sandra van den Berk – Business Development Manager MECC Maastricht, Helena Kandarova – ESTIV President and Desiree Coenen – Project Manager Klinkhamer | conferences & events.
