Following the elucidation of the structure of DNA, it was clear that the iconic double helix structure of DNA would impact and impede the fundamental genomic transactions required for cellular life. Even after 70 years of research, novel roles for DNA topology and topoisomerase action in transcriptional control, chromosome structure, anti-viral responses, and genome stability are still being uncovered. We are also still deciphering how many chemotherapeutics target topoisomerases and DNA topology-impacted processes. The EMBO workshops on DNA topology and topoisomerases bring together scientists who have only recently discovered the importance of DNA topology in their specialties with long-standing researchers in the field. This generates a vibrant interdisciplinary meeting, which highlights and disseminates work involving diverse and rapidly evolving approaches. This workshop highlights studies using techniques as varied as single molecule physics and structural biology, pan-genomic analysis of chromosome structure and chromatin composition and live cell single particle tracking to uncover new findings on the nature of DNA topological transactions and how they impact cellular processes.