SETAC Globe
17 Apr 2025

Submit Your Abstract for the SETAC 9th World Congress in Johannesburg

Tarryn Lee Botha, University of Johannesburg, Meeting Program Committee Co-Chair

The Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) invites environmental professionals worldwide to participate in the SETAC 9th World Congress, taking place from 29 September to 3 October at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. This event, held in conjunction with the SETAC Africa 12th Biennial Meeting, centers on the theme “Sustainable Development in a Changing World: Integrating Environmental Science, Policy and Practice.”

Call for Abstracts Now Open

The call for abstracts is open until 28 May, and you’re invited to be part of a program that reflects rich scientific diversity and global collaboration across more than 40 dynamic sessions.

🌊 Freshwater, Marine and Wildlife Ecotoxicology

These sessions explore environmental stressors across aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, led by experts from every corner of the world:

  • Marine Ecotoxicology (Session 1.02) – Chairs from Norway, France and the United States lead a deep dive into ocean stressors and their ecological implications.
  • Advances in Aquatic Toxicology (Session 1.01) – South African researchers explore molecular-to-ecosystem responses in freshwater systems. Let us know if you are keen to get involved!
  • Wildlife Ecotoxicology in a Changing World (Session 1.08) – Bridging work from South Africa and Japan, this session investigates contaminant effects on terrestrial and aquatic wildlife.
  • Zebrafish and Beyond (Session 6.02) – A global perspective, with chairs from South Africa, Norway, and the biomedical sector, looking at how model species link environmental and human health.
  • Effects of PFAS on Aquatic Ecosystems (Session 3.03) – Researchers from Europe, China, and South Asiapresent cutting-edge findings on emerging contaminants.

🧪 Chemicals, Contaminants, and Analytical Innovations

Explore environmental chemistry and regulatory science across continents:

  • Safe and Sustainable Nanotechnology (Session 3.14) – Led by experts from South Africa and Europe, this session tackles responsible innovation.
  • Emerging Contaminants in Developing Countries (Session 3.04) – A crucial session highlighting African-led research on regional water pollution threats.
  • Plastics in Aquatic Environments (Session 3.12) – Featuring case studies from North America and Africa, spanning macro- to microplastic impacts.
  • Pollutants Without Borders (Session 3.13) – Chairs from East and West Africa collaborate to track global contaminant movement and solutions.

🧠 Integrated Approaches, Communities, and Indigenous Knowledge

These sessions highlight the intersection of people, policy, and place:

  • One Health in Mining Environments (Session 1.03) – With African leadership, this session explores mining impacts on human and ecosystem health.
  • Using Indigenous Knowledge in Risk Assessment (Session 5.01) – Researchers from Australia and West Africa champion locally-rooted environmental stewardship.
  • Science-Policy-Society Interface (Session 4.05) – With chairs from Nigeria, this session centers evidence-informed policy development in developing contexts.

🔬 Innovation in Regulatory Toxicology

For those working in future-focused risk assessment, don’t miss:

  • Regulatory Readiness of in Silico NAMs (Session 6.01) – European and international leaders explore computational models for regulatory uptake.
  • Bioengineered Systems and Alternative Models (Session 8.01) – Co-chaired by South African and American scientists, this session showcases next-gen testing approaches.

🌍 A Truly Global Dialogue

With chairs and contributors from across Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania, the SETAC World Congress is a celebration of regional expertise and international cooperation. Many sessions are led or co-led by researchers from developing regions, ensuring a meeting shaped by diverse perspectives and lived realities.

Why Submit?

The World Congress offers a rare opportunity to:

  • Showcase your research to a truly international audience
  • Participate in thought-provoking workshops and think tank sessions
  • Connect with global leaders and emerging researchers
  • Influence future directions of environmental science and policy

Join us in Johannesburg and contribute your voice to global sustainability. Abstract submissions and session information can be found at the SETAC 2025 Abstract Submission Portal.

We look forward to welcoming you to South Africa!

Author contact: [email protected]

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