Report: Oxford Venoms and Toxins Meeting, August 25-27th 2021

This was the third year that the Hamish Ogston Foundation (HOF) has sponsored this meeting, having been the sole sponsor for the last two years.

Approximately 175 people from more than 30 counties registered and represented nearly 80 institutions. It was a pleasure to see so many countries represented amongst the speakers : Australia, USA, India, West Africa, Morocco, Costa Rica, West Africa, Europe and the UK.

The HOF introduced sponsored registration rates for the first 200 academic applicants registering within the defined window. Applicants from the Wellcome list of low- and middle-income countries were also recognised by lower registration rates.  £100 prizes were given to the best three poster exhibitors.

It was good to see so many of the younger scientists presenting their most impressive work and it was particularly gratifying to the HOF to see a number of presenters who have received grants from the HOF.

Three years ago, we were all enjoying each other’s company on the sunlit lawn of St Hilda’s College Oxford outside the Jacqueline du Pré Hall. Well, we are all aware that Covid has changed all that, but change has come with its dividend in that many who would not have been able to attend in persona can now benefit from the ‘virtual’ conference. Nobody knows what the future format will be for the annual Oxford Venoms and Toxins Conference but the merits of in persona, virtual and hybrids will be hotly debated.

There was no doubt that the technology worked well and congratulations to all those who were responsible. It was an improvement on last year although glitches are mostly due to connection problems in distant places. However, presenters do have a responsibility to ensure that they can handle the microphone, enlarge their screen etc., Some did not and it only caused them unnecessary anxiety. However, we all sympathised as we have been there.

Feedback is always important. One suggestion well worth mentioning is that we include clinical presentations on the treatment of venom and toxin poisoning.

The HOF thanks to all those who registered and those who worked so hard to ensure the undoubted success of the conference. We look forward to 2022.

Dr. Michael Vaughan, HOF Health Advisor

Visit hamishogstonfoundation.org/snakebite for more information on our snakebite research initiative.