Steroid molecules specifically control distinct aspects in cell proliferation and tissue differentiation. Dysfunctions in steroid signal transduction pathways lead to severe disorders and diminished life quality, and consequently pose an economic burden. Research in steroids so far has provided insights on biological homeostasis and how to deal with some health issues like human fertility, menopause or hypertension. However, contemporary society is facing many still unsolved issues in environmental and developmental health and aging.
With the interdisciplinary nature of steroid research, involving aspects of analytics, chemistry, biology, medicine and bioinformatics, our Congress will address present state-of-the-art approaches in the molecular basis of steroid-related common human diseases like metabolic syndrome, diabetes, obesity, inflammation, and cancer. Additionally there will be ample time to enjoy plenary lectures, short oral presentations and interactive poster discussions.
Sessions will cover the following major topics:
• recent advances in understanding steroid receptor functionality
• mechanisms of signal transduction
• pre-receptor metabolism of steroids
• chemistry of steroid synthesis
• steroids in disease
• translational approaches
• environmental impact on human health
General overviews of a topic will be accompanied by presentations of novel work undertaken at leading laboratories that focus on the interdisciplinary character of steroids research. Emerging trends and new developments will also be addressed in the sessions.

Sunday 27 March 2011 Plenary Lecture Short Oral Presentations Session 1: Receptors Monday 28 March 2011 Session 2: Mechanism of Signal Transduction Session 3: Pre-receptor Metabolism Session 4: Steroidogenesis Session 5: Chemistry of Synthesis Tuesday 29 March 2011 Session 6: Environmental Challenges Session 7: Cancer Session 8: Diabetes & Obesity Short Oral Presentations Plenary Lecture