14th World Mycotoxin Forum: Insights and Expectations from Prof. Sarah De Saeger

The 14th World Mycotoxin Forum is scheduled to be held from October 9th to 11th at the Flanders Meeting & Convention Center in Antwerp, Belgium. This forum offers a comprehensive conference program addressing the latest mycotoxin management issues and is intended for professionals working in the field of mycotoxins. All About Feed recently interviewed Prof. Sarah De Saeger, one of the local conference chairs, who provided insights into what attendees can anticipate at this year's forum.

The WMF serves as a unique gathering of industry professionals, scientists, and mycotoxin experts. What sets this forum apart

"The World Mycotoxin Forum is one of the largest mycotoxin events globally. It provides a platform for individuals to come together to exchange ideas, express concerns, and work on finding solutions. The forum attracts researchers, experts, and professionals, as well as participants from various business and industry backgrounds. This convergence allows for a genuine connection between scientific knowledge and problem-solving. This, in my view, is what makes the World Mycotoxin Forum exceptionally unique."

The WMF program includes an interactive debate that you will moderate. Can you provide some insights into this?

"This is the first time such a debate will be held at the forum, representing a new initiative organized by the International Society for Mycotoxicology (ISM). The debate will focus on climate change and its impact on combating mycotoxins, taking a global tour. We have invited presidents from different mycotoxicology societies around the world, including ISM, the Latin American Society of Mycotoxicology, and the African Society of Mycotoxicology. Additionally, representatives from the Thai, Japanese, and Nigerian Societies of Mycotoxicology will participate. While the society presidents may not be climate change experts, they are familiar with the current situation in their regions. The debate will also feature insights from companies regarding mycotoxins and climate change. This represents an excellent example of ongoing interaction between scientists and industry. The session will encourage live discussions with all participants."

What message do you hope attendees will take away from the forum?

"We must focus on finding solutions to manage mycotoxin contamination. While there is a wealth of literature and studies on mycotoxin-related issues, the data is valuable but insufficient. We need to emphasize the search for concrete solutions. This is undoubtedly challenging, as we have been working on this problem for decades, and it remains a complex issue. Collaboration is another key takeaway, not just among scientists but also with stakeholders working directly in the field, who have firsthand experience of the situation."

What else can participants expect from WMF 2023?

The 14th World Mycotoxin Forum – WMFmeetsBelgium offers numerous avenues for networking and knowledge sharing to bridge knowledge gaps. Attendees can look forward to:

- Plenary meetings featuring presentations and discussions

- Poster presentations

- Company pitches and industry updates

- Networking opportunities

- Workshops

WMF Young Scientists Forum:

Selko is hosting the second edition of this event at this year's forum, inviting young scientists, researchers, and students to share experiences and learn from one another. Discussions will revolve around topics such as finding the right research model, exploring single or multi-mycotoxin challenges, and integrating mycotoxin research with other environmental factors. Emerging technologies and their potential impact on future mycotoxin research will also be explored during informal brainstorming sessions.

There is still time to register for the event. Participants are responsible for arranging their accommodation, and WMF has secured special room rates with several hotels within walking distance of the conference venue.

https://worldmycotoxinforum.org/