The Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) strives to recognize and honor outstanding contributions of individuals or groups of individuals to the environmental sciences and to the Society by means the Awards Program. SETAC also endeavors to recognize and honor the participation of students and pre-professionals in the Society and to use Society resources to enhance their professional development. SETAC awards may be global in stature, or may recognize contributions at the geographic unit level.

The SETAC Global Awards Committee has been developed under the auspices of the SETAC World Council, supporting the continuing efforts of globalization. The charge of the Global Awards Committee is to reflect the overall intent of the awards and fellowships process, but at a global level. Its scope encompasses contributions and achievements throughout all geographic units.

Geographic units also have award committees. Both the SETAC Europe Awards and the SETAC North America Awards support the development and participation of students in the Society's activities, as well as recognizing the professional and technical contributions of its members. Although many awards are open only to members of SETAC, some are open to nonmembers as well. Candidates for all awards may be self-nominated, or nominated by another individual. Because Asia/Pacific Awards and Latin America Awards are currently under development, candidates from these geographic units are encouraged to apply for awards from North America and Europe.