SETAC 9th World Congress

“Sustainable Development in a Changing World: Integrating Environmental Science, Policy and Practice”

The upcoming SETAC 9th World Congress is designed to enhance international dialogue and facilitate the sharing of experiences and expertise in the domains of environmental chemistry and toxicology. This event is envisioned as a collaborative gathering where participants can network and forge partnerships that extend beyond traditional boundaries.

Attendees will have exceptional opportunities to connect and establish valuable relationships that can lead to transformative partnerships. The overarching theme encapsulates the congress’s mission to integrate science, policy and practical applications in the pursuit of global sustainable development, especially in the context of our rapidly evolving world.

Therefore, the primary goal of this congress is to convene scientists, policymakers, regulators, industry representatives, nongovernmental organizations and civil society to exchange knowledge and insights, ultimately working towards a sustainable future. The theme aspires to motivate participants to promote and enhance global collaboration, driving substantial changes through sustainable research initiatives that resonate with all stakeholders involved. This includes sharing valuable lessons learned and highlighting successful case studies that can guide future efforts. Furthermore, the congress will focus on fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange with other leading global scientific and professional societies as well as international organizations.

In a shift from more conventional formats, the event will prioritize dynamic engagement through keynote presentations, panel discussions and interactive workshops, rather than relying solely on traditional platform and poster sessions. This approach aims to enhance the richness of discussions and the relevance of outcomes for all involved.

Tracks

Tracks represent the highest organizational level of the scientific program, serving as an overarching framework that encompasses and categorizes sessions centered on specific themes. Each session is assigned to a designated track, ensuring coherence and thematic relevance within the program. These tracks not only help participants navigate the program more effectively but also foster focused discussions and collaborations among attendees interested in similar subject areas. 

1. Environmental and Human Toxicology in a Changing World

This track explores the impacts, from molecular mechanisms to population-level effects, of anthropogenic activities on organisms including humans. It highlights innovations in adverse outcome pathways (AOPs), biomarkers, QSARs, omics, in vitro and in silico tools, and refined in vivo testing schemes. Sessions will focus on linking molecular responses to adverse outcomes, addressing challenges posed to both aquatic and terrestrial environments by anthropogenic activities.

2. Integrative Approaches: Multi-Stressors, Ecosystem Dynamics and Landscape Impacts

Focusing on the effects of multiple stressors, this track delves into their impact on ecosystem functions, services and biodiversity. It emphasizes combining lab and field studies, ecological modeling, and real-world case studies to assess or predict ecosystem responses to biological, chemical and physical stressors. Impacts of stressors on wildlife, sustainable ecotourism and how these intertwine are welcomed. Sessions can cover both terrestrial and aquatic environments and topics covering the triple planetary crisis are encouraged.

3. Environmental Chemistry, Exposure, Effects and Risk Assessment

This track explores the fate, transport and bioavailability of chemical- or particle-based contaminants, including advanced materials, microplastics and nanomaterials, and their degradation products. It integrates chemical monitoring, modeling and exposure assessments with ecological and human health risk evaluations. Sessions will address emerging contaminants, complex mixtures, innovative remediation strategies and holistic approaches to risk assessment and risk management, fostering a comprehensive understanding of environmental and human health impacts across spatial and temporal scales. Sessions can cover both terrestrial and aquatic environments.

4. Policy, Governance, and Communication for Sustainability

This track bridges science, policy and society, fostering evidence-based decision-making and effective science communication. Highlighting holistic evaluations of environmental, economic and social sustainability, this track also explores life cycle assessment (LCA) and its integration into circular economic practices. Special focus is given to the role of nongovernmental organizations and civil society in shaping environmental governance, environmental footprinting and applications to resource efficiency, advocating for sustainable policies and implementing on-the-ground solutions. Sessions will address participatory approaches, public engagement strategies and the integration of citizen science to enhance inclusive and transparent environmental stewardship.

5. Indigenous Knowledge and Community-Centered Sustainability

Highlighting the role of traditional knowledge in addressing environmental challenges, this track emphasizes integrating indigenous practices with modern science. It highlights community resilience, sustainable resource management and culturally inclusive environmental solutions. Topics include regulatory challenges, citizen science initiatives and enhancing stakeholder engagement.

6. Advances in Regulatory Model Organisms for Toxicological and Risk Assessments

This track emphasizes the importance of regulatorily relevant model organisms in toxicology and environmental assessments. It explores the development and application of standardized test species, innovations in alternative models, zebrafish and cell lines, and advancements in bioprinting and in vitro systems. Sessions will focus on improving predictive toxicology, aligning with regulatory requirements and addressing challenges in global harmonization for safety assessments. The comparison or integration of biological assessments with other lines of evidence to support decision-making is also addressed.

7. Environmental Engineering, Remediation and Restoration 

This track focuses on innovative approaches to remediate and restore environments and ecosystems affected by stressors in air, water, soil and sediment. Topics include advanced tools for predicting and monitoring impacts, cutting-edge remediation technologies, environmental engineering solutions, protection of ecosystem services and green remediation practices. Sessions will also cover damage assessment methodologies and strategies for sustainable management, emphasizing the integration of science, technology and practical applications to restore ecological integrity and restore ecosystems.

8. Emerging Trends, Analytical Advancements, Transdisciplinary and Trans-Scale Themes

Encouraging outside-the-box thinking, this track integrates diverse disciplines to address global sustainability challenges. Topics include the plastics treaty, environmental sensors, technological advancements, One Health, climate adaptation, ecosystem services, predictive approaches and the intersection of ethics, environmental economics and environmental science.