01 Sep 2024

SETAC and A4 Join Forces to Advance Alternatives Assessment

We are thrilled to welcome all Association for the Advancement of Alternatives Assessment (A4) members and broader community of practice to SETAC. Following a recent merger, A4 members will now enjoy the benefits of SETAC membership, with A4 transitioning into an Interest Group under the new name Advancement and Application of Alternatives Assessment (SETAC A4 IG).

Officers at A4 opened discussions with SETAC leadership earlier this year to explore integrating their organization in order to expand their reach and impact. This partnership creates a larger global community of experts, scientific researchers and practitioners. SETAC brings a long history of excellence in hosting multi-disciplinary scientific collaborations, high-quality peer-reviewed publications, and global workshops, meetings and events. Together, we can expand our reach and achieve even greater success, driving our shared vision and mission forward with renewed drive. 

The SETAC A4 IG plans to continue to strengthen alternatives assessment (AA) methods and practice (including its use in policy) and to engage communities interested in using or performing AA to advance the identification and adoption of safer alternatives. While initially rooted in alternatives assessment as an expansion of chemical hazard assessment, A4 will continue to share the experiences of those using AA in government and industry and to integrate best practices in comparative exposure assessment, stakeholder engagement and considerations of environmental justice, life cycle thinking and assessment, cost, feasibility, and more.

This partnership enhances our ability to address complex environmental challenges by bringing together diverse expertise from both organizations. The SETAC A4 IG will play a pivotal role in driving innovation in alternatives assessment and fostering a global dialogue on best practices. This merger strengthens our shared mission to promote safer alternatives and advance environmental science through a multidisciplinary approach.

Members can look forward to engaging in upcoming events, including a special session at the SETAC North America 45th Annual Meeting from 20–24 October in Fort Worth, Texas. This session, along with sponsored social events, will provide a platform for professionals to connect, share knowledge, and explore new frontiers in environmental science. There is also a webinar scheduled from 11:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m. EDT titled “ToxPi 101.”

SETAC full and explorer members interested in the topic can join the A4 IG to join discussions, receive group notifications, and more.

For more information or inquiries, please contact us at [email protected].

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