Reuniting in Person at the SETAC Argentina Chapter Meeting
Fabi Lo Nostro, University of Buenos Aires (UBA) and National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET)
The IX Argentine Congress of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) Argentina Chapter was held from 21-23 October at the Faculty of Humanities and Sciences of the National University of the Littoral (UNL), in Santa Fe, Argentina. This event brought together more than 400 attendees, including researchers, professionals, students and business representatives. It featured a wealth of presentations, including plenary lectures, oral presentations and posters, showcasing the latest advances in toxicology and environmental chemistry.
Spanning three days, the congress offered a rich program of academic activities. A highlight was the series of courses offered prior to the main sessions, designed to address fundamental topics and tools in environmental science. Among the featured courses was “Introduction to Multivariate Statistical Methods in Environmental Sciences,” provided attendees a deep dive into advanced data analysis techniques, and “Using Anuran Amphibians as Bioindicators in a Context of Climate Crisis and Global Population Decline,” which explored the importance of these organisms as sensitive indicators of ecosystem changes. Other courses included “Experimental Approaches in Ecotoxicological Studies with Wild Birds,” “Tools for Transcriptomics Applied to Ecotoxicology,” and “EVOTOX: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry in an Evolutionary Dimension.” A typical SETAC activity, it fostered an open and engaging debate among more than 240 undergraduate and graduate students alongside experienced scientists to discuss the challenges of integrating toxicology and environmental chemistry into the Argentine scientific-technological system.
The meeting covered a wide range of scientific topics, providing a comprehensive view of current environmental challenges. Some areas of focus included emerging contaminants of concern, environmental contaminant monitoring, environmental chemistry applied to the development of analytical methods, and the evaluation of biomarkers and toxicity mechanisms. Other relevant topics included the use of bioindicators of environmental pollution, the relationship between contaminants and human health, and the mitigation and remediation of environmental impacts. Additionally, topics on environmental management, regulation and risk assessment, environmental education, and the contributions of human and social sciences to address environmental issues were included. An innovative aspect of this event was the inclusion of a space to discuss “negative” research results under the theme “Non-results are also results.” This fostered an open scientific perspective, where unexpected findings or the absence of significant results are valued as a crucial part of the research process.
During the biennial assembly, chapter members voted, thus establishing a new SETAC Argentina Chapter Board of Directors for 2025–2026. Finally, 6 awards and 12 recognitions were presented for the best student presentations.
SETAC Argentina already has a new date for 2026. We look forward to seeing you in the city of La Plata, Buenos Aires!
Author’s contact: [email protected]