The Gordon Research Conference on Cellular & Molecular Mechanisms of Toxicity is a premier forum for showcasing the latest, most innovative advances in mechanistic toxicological research. For the 2013 conference, the organizers have assembled a group of world-leading experts working on areas of investigation that are highly relevant to environmental, industrial and pharmaceutical toxicology. The topics selected are varied and of great appeal to a broad audience of scientists with interest in toxicology. Mitochondrial diseases, epigenetics, transcriptional control of drug metabolizing enzymes, carcinogenesis, stem cells in toxicological research and novel functions of oxidative stress-related transcription factors are among the topics that will be highlighted at the conference. The conference will attract a mix of junior and senior investigators and trainees with a common interest in advancing their respective fields of investigation. For the first time, a Gordon Research Seminar on Cellular & Molecular Mechanisms of Toxicity will precede the conference. This provides an expanded opportunity for trainees and young scientists to be exposed to cutting-edge science and to network with their future colleagues in the field. The poster session(s) is an essential element to the success of conference. Trainees and scientists at any level will have the opportunity to present their latest, groundbreaking work in poster format under an informal atmosphere that fosters relaxed dialog, networking and idea sharing. A special selection committee will select some abstracts/posters for short oral talks. These "late-breaking" oral sessions provide increased participation to trainees and young scientists to share their work with an audience of experts. This is a tremendous opportunity for the young talent to receive feedback from well-established leaders in the field. Another key to the success of the Gordon Conference is the social interaction of participants at meal times and during social activities in afternoon breaks. These interactions have led to long-lasting scientific collaborations and the lining up of trainees with laboratories for further education. We look forward to seeing you at The Gordon Research Conference on Cellular & Molecular Mechanisms of Toxicology in 2013!