The transcription factor Nrf2 has recently emerged as a key mediator of the antioxidant response that is important in inflammation, neurodegeneration, lipogenesis, cancer and many other physiological and pathological processes. This has been reflected by a sharp rise in interest in Nrf2 throughout the biomedical community. This Hot Topic meeting will provide an opportunity for researchers interested in Nrf2 to come together and to establish a network for future collaborations around this fascinating molecule.