Meet the 2024 Recipients of the Exceptional Service Award

Carlos Arias-Barreiro, Consultant; Richard Wenning, Montrose Environmental

This year, Munro Mortimer and Glenn Suter have been honored with the SETAC Exceptional Service Award. This award is given to recognize the exceptional commitment of past or present SETAC members who exemplify leadership and dedication to the Society.

Munro Mortimer

Munro Mortimer has dedicated time to SETAC Asia-Pacific spanning over three decades and leaving an undeniable mark on the organization. A founding member of the Australasian Society of Ecotoxicology (ASE) in 1994, he played a pivotal role in its successful merger with SETAC. For a combined 30 years, Mortimer served as the unwavering treasurer, first for ASE and then for SETAC Asia-Pacific. His financial expertise has ensured stability and effective management, allowing the organization to thrive.

Beyond financial stewardship, Mortimer’s leadership has provided consistent guidance throughout various presidencies. He has offered invaluable corporate knowledge and ensured stability during periods of change. He has championed a "doing" philosophy, advocating for healthy budgets that supported SETAC’s activities and educational mission across the Asia-Pacific region.

Mortimer’s commitment wasn’t limited to financial matters. Recognizing the need for improvement, he spearheaded the revision of SETAC Asia-Pacific’s membership management software, streamlining remote management processes. His dedication extended further – he consistently responded first to board requests, from coordinating award judging to ensuring smooth award distribution. His advocacy for inclusivity led him to champion the creation of a special membership category for Papua New Guinea members within the SETAC Australasia Chapter.

He has actively participated in every ASE and SETAC Asia-Pacific conference to date, significantly impacting their success. His quiet efficiency embodies the spirit of an unsung hero, and his tireless efforts have had a global ripple effect.

Particularly impactful was his work within the diverse Asia-Pacific Geographic Unit. His strong advocacy for inclusivity influenced the development of the new membership model, benefiting the entire SETAC community. Beyond the Asia-Pacific Geographic Unit, Mortimer’s expertise extended to other GUs. He played a key role in initiatives like full voting rights for student members and travel awards for underrepresented groups, initiatives now adopted by other GUs.

Mortimer’s legacy extends to his crucial role in ensuring effective financial management for SETAC Asia-Pacific conferences. His financial acumen proved invaluable during negotiations to mitigate burdens associated with the cancelled Singapore World Congress in 2020 and 2022. His financial advice has also benefitted SETAC Africa and SETAC Latin America, further solidifying his global influence.

In conclusion, Munro Mortimer’s unwavering dedication, leadership and financial expertise have profoundly shaped SETAC's regional and global success. His commitment to stability, growth and inclusivity continues to inspire future generations within the organization. 

Glenn Suter

Glenn Suter’s exemplary professional career in science, spanning nearly six decades, is a testament to his unwavering dedication. From his postgraduate work at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee, USA, to his retirement in 2021 as senior science advisor in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Suter has been a relentless advocate for ecological risk assessment and the pursuit of science collaborations that advance ecologically sound and acceptable practices and principles for environmental protection. His considerable publication record is a testament to his commitment to environmental toxicology and chemistry in quantitative risk assessment, the development of decision analysis tools to resolve complex environmental management problems, and methods for assessing and managing lands and waterways impacted by environmental pollution.

Suter’s contributions to SETAC in the field of ecological risk assessment and the global environmental risk assessment community are exceptional. His considerable influence is abundantly evident in the tremendous volume of work presented by students and professionals at SETAC annual meetings in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America. His work, much of which is communicated through SETAC science forums, has played a significant role in shaping national and international environmental policies, reflecting well on the stature of SETAC as a reputable, high-quality scientific organization. His body of work is frequently cited by academic, business, and regulatory scientists and policymakers.

With purpose and determination, Suter has provided thought leadership in ecological risk assessment, environmental toxicology and environmental management. He has led and contributed to several SETAC scientific meetings, workshops and publications. His active engagement with the student and early-career members, as well as his deep understanding of SETAC’s charter, are reflected in the growth and success of the society worldwide. His numerous publications and professional commitments at SETAC have contributed to the education of countless students and professionals. Suter is a founding editor of the IEAM journal, and many individuals are deeply indebted to him for his counsel during their respective tenures.

Authors' contact: [email protected] and [email protected]