serslautern, celebrated its 25 th anniversary. Its development from its foundation 25 years ago exemplifies the success of a pioneering concept bringing together the areas of Food Chemistry and Toxicology in research and teaching. It also became rapidly evident that the "Kaiserslautern school concept" met specific requirements of employers from food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Moreover, against the background of harmonisation and "REACH", there is an increasing European demand for well trained experts in regulatory toxicology and/or food safety assessment. It can be stated today that the concept of bringing together Food Chemistry/Technology and biomolecular/life science/toxicology research and teaching proficiency has spread, and there is an increasing number of chemical departments in Germany where similar structures have been or are being installed.
To celebrate the occasion, a scientific symposium entitled "Food Chemistry and Toxicology -Cornerstones of Life Sciences in Chemistry" was held in Kaiserslautern (Germany). Key aspects of the scientific programme comprised topics also representing major areas of interest of the division of Food Chemistry and Toxicology in the past quarter century. Internationally renowned experts followed the invitation to give presentations about their research.