The fields of modern scientific pharmacology and toxicology developed simultaneously with physiology, physiological chemistry and pathology and are characterised by intensive interaction with these disciplines. The study group Biochemical Pharmacology and Toxicology continues these interconnections with neighbouring disciplines, especially with biochemistry, thereby addressing a broad spectrum of questions in the fields of experimental pharmacology and molecular toxicology.

The study group was founded in 1986 by Helmut Sies (Düsseldorf) and Volker Ullrich (Konstanz) and currently has over 300 members. In addition to the development and research of drugs and their effects, fundamental biochemical, molecular biological and cell biological questions in the fields of pharmacology and toxicology, cellular signal transduction, as well as risk assessment of foreign substances are addressed. The diversity of the scientific questions is also reflected in the variety of methodological approaches. These range from the application of state-of-the-art biochemical, cellular and molecular biological techniques to analyses in complex animal and organ systems.

The aim of the study group is to promote this complexity in an interdisciplinary dialogue between the members and to use this dialogue for the sustainable further development of scientific issues. To this end, the study group actively participates in the organisation of workshops and symposia on current and cutting-edge topics as part of the conferences organised by the GBM. Thanks to a close collaboration with the Signal Transduction Society (STS), the study group is regularly represented at the STS annual meeting with its own workshop on various topics. Another important aim of the study group is the active promotion of young scientists in the form of a biennial two-day symposium specifically organised for young researchers, which has so far been mainly funded by sponsors. The aim of this event is to promote the exchange of experiences among young scientists and to contribute to networking. For some of the participants, this is the first opportunity to present their scientific results outside their own research group and to make contacts. In addition, the speakers of the study groups "Biochemical Pharmacology and Toxicology" and "Receptors and Signal Transduction" bestow the "GBM Innovation Award for Young Scientists" each year at the STS annual meeting. The award is intended to reward young scientists who have developed a new, innovative method and to motivate them to continue their work.

The primary goals of the study group are to promote contacts and knowledge transfer in order to maintain an interdisciplinary dialogue and successful collaborations within and outside the study group. New members are always welcome and are encouraged to contact us, the speakers, for further information.