How important is genetic predisposition to smoking? What are the best methods for quitting smoking? Is the electronic cigarette a safe alternative to conventional cigarettes? These are just some of the tobacco and nicotine-related questions that researchers and clinicians are hoping to answer. Participants will discuss these and other issues during the sixteenth edition of the European conference for research on tobacco addiction.

A notable development currently sweeping the world is the significant rise in the number of e-cigarette users. While electronic cigarettes do contain nicotine, they have far fewer toxic substances than tobacco smoke. 'The question is whether e-cigarettes have any health risks,' says Van Schayck, professor of Preventative Medicine. 'Electronic cigarettes are quite popular among young people in many European countries, but we don't know if this can be considered a gateway drug to smoking "real" cigarettes.' A special symposium on electronic cigarettes will be held on Friday, which will include a review of the latest developments.

The SRNT Europe 16th Annual Conference will take place from 10 to 12 September at MECC Maastricht. This year's theme is: The bigger picture towards multidisciplinarity in nicotine and tobacco research. For more information about the conference and the programme, visit www.srnt-e2015.com.