“Herzlich Willkommen in Wien!” - Introducing the SETAC Europe 35th Annual Meeting in Vienna
Hanna Schreiber, Environment Agency Austria and SETAC Europe 35th Annual Meeting Chair
While we’re still reflecting on the rich content from the SETAC 34th Annual Meeting in Seville, we are already looking forward to the next chapter: The SETAC Europe 35th Annual Meeting from 11–15 May in Vienna.
Just as Spain has its famous dish “paella,” Austria offers “Grenadiermarsch” – a delicious mix of (leftover) ingredients, brought together in the mindset of resourceful efficiency, to lead to something even more magnificent in terms of taste. “Much like SETAC,” you may think, where diverse perspectives and knowledge are mixed together like a potpourri of ideas, ready to be served up to spark progress and collaboration in environmental science.
SETAC Vienna will encourage cross-disciplinary alliances by bringing together experts from different fields to share knowledge and collaborate on safe and sustainable solutions. This commitment is reflected in this year’s theme, “Innovation for Tomorrow: Progress in Safe and Sustainable Concepts.” We face an increasing need for integration of cutting-edge innovations with safety and sustainability considerations, through implementation and expansion of the Safe and Sustainable (by Design) thinking. It should foster concepts of essential transition to Safe and Sustainable (by Design - SSbD) development through innovation. Applying the concept of SSbD as a mindset is going far beyond the development of new molecules and products, applying it for example also to cities, land use and landscapes.
During the annual meeting in Vienna, we will explore and aim to trigger explicit progress on how solutions and applications-oriented principles can be developed to prevent and limit chemical pollution, as well as on how methodological and technological advancements and innovative practices can address contemporary challenges in chemical and product safety up to environmental stewardship at the landscape level. The meeting will support to bridge and liaise further the various topics and fields of expertise under the SETAC umbrella and integrate them consistently in SSbD approaches (chemical safety assessment, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), environmental quality assessment, chemicals management, exposure assessment, etc.). The conference theme and program aim to inspire and equip participants with the mindset and knowledge needed to drive meaningful change, triggering innovations to address the environmental and safety challenges today, while laying the foundation for a more sustainable and resilient future.
As fair data is key, this conference will also cover work and research on advancing scientific methods in this context (e.g., early Technological Readiness Level (TRL) data generation, supply chain data management and protection, assessment simplification, risk and sustainability integration, rapid-screening methods, absolute boundaries for both risk and sustainability).
Vienna: City of Dreams and Sustainable Leadership
For 2025, we invite you to join us in Vienna, one of Europe’s most vibrant cultural capitals, a truly inspiring setting for the SETAC Europe 35th Annual Meeting. Known for its classical music, grand architecture and rich history; the birthplace of Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud; this city has been at the heart of creativity and cultural innovation for centuries. Whether you stroll through the imperial halls of Schönbrunn Palace or lose yourself in the masterpieces at the Belvedere Museum, Vienna has a charm that captivates every visitor.
Beyond its cultural allure, Vienna is a leader in sustainability. The city’s commitment to green meeting initiatives and eco-friendly event practices makes it an ideal host for the SETAC Europe annual meeting. From eco-certified venues to a highly efficient public transport system, Vienna makes it easy to align SETAC’s values with its actions.
Additionally, Vienna is recognized as a top destination for international conferences, consistently ranking as one of the most accessible, safe and sustainable cities in the world. SETAC Vienna offers the perfect opportunity to experience both the city’s cultural treasures and environmental leadership, while engaging in meaningful scientific exchanges. Whether you’re exploring its historic landmarks, indulging in the local cuisine, or enjoying the world-renowned music scene, Vienna offers an unforgettable backdrop for our gathering.
Start Preparing Your Abstracts and Plan to Contribute
While you immerse yourself in Vienna’s rich history and sustainable future, it's time to start thinking about your contribution to the SETAC Europe 35th Annual Meeting! As the call for abstracts will officially open on 11 October, now is the perfect time to start planning your abstracts and research topics to ensure you’re ready when the call opens.
Whether you’re advancing cutting-edge research, addressing pressing environmental issues, or fostering innovative approaches to sustainability, we want to hear from you. This is your “opera-tunity” to help shape the future of environmental science, contribute to essential discussions, and be part of this global network of changemakers.
Although the call for abstracts isn’t open yet, you can still ensure your contribution to SETAC Vienna by applying for a registration grant, which provides financial support to students, recent graduates and senior active members. Additionally, if you’re interested in leading a training course, proposals are open until 30 October.
Stay tuned for more details, and mark your calendars for the abstract submission deadline, coming soon! For more information about the SETAC Europe 35th Annual Meeting, visit the meeting website or contact [email protected].
Author’s contact: [email protected]