Abstract

The 11th Gordon Research Conference on Environmental Endocrine Disruptors will take place in the beautiful resort of Les Diablerets, in the heart of the Swiss Alps, June 3-8, 2018. This conference will mark the 20th anniversary of the first GRC on EEDs, and provide a unique meeting format encouraging collegial discussions and fruitful exchanges between leading scientists and junior colleagues from all over the world. Over a generation, the GRC on EEDs set major milestones in the field of EED research, spanning from early evidence of EED effects in wildlife and humans through the shaping of new paradigms such as perinatal and low-dose effects. Ongoing research highlights more than ever the broad range of EED effects. These largely exceed classical reproduction and fertility endpoints, with lasting effects on endogenous metabolism, development, cognition, behavior, immune system and carcinogenic processes. Our current understanding of EEDs illustrates the finely tuned and intricately connected nature of the different actors of the endocrine system. The disrupting potential of man-made chemicals on wildlife, humans, but also on ecosystems is still not fully understood. Complex mechanisms of action and subtle modulatory effects are involved. This 2018 meeting will provide a comprehensive overview of the latest advances in EED research: (1) EED effects in wildlife and laboratory animal models and life-span effects in the more complex context of human exposure; (2) in-depth review of our current understanding of EED effects and mechanisms of action, including at low-doses; (3) updated state of the science and discussion on specific issues raised by EED research (mixture effects, perinatal imprinting) and novel paradigms (microbiome’s role, trans-generational effects); (4) key issues related to incorporating the results of laboratory, field and human studies in the process of EED risk assessment: a major challenge for toxicologists and risk assessors, as well as an ongoing revolution.