Venom opens up huge potential for applied research. However, scientists still have very little idea how various venom compositions and toxins were formed. In order to close this gap in our knowledge, the COST Action European Venom Network (EUVEN CA19144) has now been founded to conduct research that will focus on the academic analysis of types of venom. Dr  Björn M. von Reumont is performing research at the Institute for Insect Biotechnology at the Justus Liebig University in Giessen as part of the LOEWE Centre for Insect Biotechnology and Bioresources (ZIB) and the LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (TBG). As a molecular evolutionary biologist, he is one of the German representatives within this network.

Scientists working at the ZIB and TBG LOEWE Centres have discovered that very different types of venom, e.g. from roundworms or particular species of spiders, could be used to develop medicines or combat pests because of the special way that they operate. The scientists involved in the European Venom Network want to develop protocols and methods and establish technological procedures and animal models to conduct research into what are still unknown poisonous species of animals and their toxins. One of the main goals here is to ensure that the results can be used in the biomedical, diagnostic and agrochemical sectors, to name just a few.