The 2nd African Regional Meeting on Forensic Toxicology (TIAFT Africa), held jointly with the 1st International Symposium on Toxicology of CHU Setif, took place in Algiers, Algeria, from 28–30 April 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Algiers Airport.
The meeting brought together 118 participants from Algeria, Belgium, Cameroon, France, Italy, Libya, Nigeria, Spain, Tunisia, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Zambia, creating a vibrant space for scientific exchange, collaboration, and networking in the field of forensic and clinical toxicology.
The presence of six TIAFT Board members, including TIAFT President Simon Elliott and President-Elect Sarah Wille, reflected the Association’s strong support for the development of forensic toxicology in Africa. International speakers and African toxicologists, alongside residents and young scientists, shared three days of enriching discussions, learning opportunities, and professional exchange.
The meeting was organized through the collaboration of local and international scientific and organizing committees chaired by Sara Abdennour.
The scientific program featured lectures, oral communications, four poster sessions, and interactive discussions covering a wide range of topics including drugs of abuse, post-mortem toxicology, driving under the influence of drugs, analytical challenges, and emerging psychoactive substances.
One of the highlights of the meeting was the strong participation of young scientists, whose presentations and discussions brought great energy to the event. The poster sessions, in particular, encouraged direct interaction between presenters, moderators, and participants, creating a dynamic and friendly scientific atmosphere.
The Best Poster Presentation Award was awarded to Mohamed Redha Difallah.
A Recognition Award was presented to Prof. Mohamed Azzouz from the University of Algiers for his contribution to the training of generations of toxicologists in Algeria.
Beyond the scientific sessions, participants also had the opportunity to discover part of Algeria’s cultural heritage through a social program that included visits to the Casbah of Algiers, the National Army Museum, and the Great Mosque of Algiers. The opening ceremony also featured an Algerian variety music performance, which added a warm cultural touch to the meeting.
This regional meeting also marked an important moment for Africa within TIAFT activities after several years without a regional meeting on the continent, highlighting the renewed dynamism and engagement of African toxicologists within the Association.
This event reinforced the importance of scientific collaboration, knowledge sharing, and supporting the next generation of toxicologists.
The organizing committee would like to warmly thank all speakers, participants, moderators, sponsors, and TIAFT Board members whose presence, support, and enthusiasm contributed greatly to the success of this regional meeting.