The Department of Biochemistry-Biotechnology, Postgraduate Program “Toxicology” of the University of Thessaly, and the Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, Department of Pharmacy of the University of Patras are organising for the third consecutive year, the Scientific Summit on Tobacco Harm Reduction - Novel products, Research & Policy, in collaboration with the Department of Public & Community Health, University of West Attica, Athens, and the 2nd Cardiology Dept., University Hospital Attikon, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the high risk of a second wave contributed to the decision the 3rd Scientific Summit on Tobacco Harm Reduction to become virtual! The physical presence and the possibility to meet colleagues and discuss face to face is very valuable to one’s work. Unfortunately, this is lost. However, a new dimension has emerged: the possibility to bring together people from around the globe that one cannot easily achieve in a physical event.
This year, additional scientific bodies join and support the Summit organisers. Also we hope to attract top researchers, clinicians, and scientists from diverse fields, from around the world, to contribute to the 3rd Scientific Summit on Tobacco Harm Reduction.
The frequency of alternative tobacco product use (e-cigarettes, Heat-not-Burn products, loose leaf, snus, etc.) among smokers and the association with switch and quit attempts is increasing; the scientific community is debating, in the attempt to explain the benefits and the risks associated with these products. Health issues are emerging that demand more research and sound interpretation of research and clinical data.
The objectives of the Summit are to offer opportunities for scientists of different countries to:
- Present, discuss, and challenge recent data related to this topic
- Discuss and debate on scientific, technological, medical, regulatory, legal and policy issues for advancing the technical capacity of the participating countries
- Provide an environment where regulatory authorities and policy makers may present to the scientific and medical communities their prospective course of action.
The scientific programme of the conference aiming to address THR in a 360° approach, will include the following specific topics:
- Toxicology and aerosol chemistry - Chemical composition of the aerosol, droplet size and distribution, temperature and toxicants, indoor air quality \
- Biomarkers’ evaluation in animal or human studies
- Preclinical evaluation
- Epidemiology & Social Issues (Perception risk, Attractiveness etc.)
- Clinical Assessment and Harm Reduction
- Regulatory issues
- Bioethics
- Innovation & Novel Products
- Smoking cessation
- Educational issues in adolescence.