SETAC’s Strategic Plan is intended to:

• Confirm and explicitly define the mission of the Society;
• Define focus areas and their associated goals that will fulfill and enhance the Society’s mission;
• Define courses of action to achieve the goals, including the roles and responsibilities of SETAC officers and staff assigned to implement the actions specified in this strategic plan; and,
• Provide a foundation for examination of the Society’s progress to grow and achieve its goals and mission; recognizing the need to periodically review and update the Strategic Plan to assure maximum effectiveness of the Society’s resources.

The strategic plan is subject to change through time, from suggestions and new priorities brought forward by the SETAC World Council, GU governing bodies, committees, and the SETAC membership. It is implicit that the SETAC Office is an integral component of all steps of the process. Implementation and progress will be reported regularly to the SWC, and the document will continue to evolve through long range planning.

SETAC’s Goals

I. Promote research, education, communication, and training in the environmental sciences.
II. Promote application of interdisciplinary environmental sciences in managing chemicals and other stressors.
III. Provide forums for communication and interactions among professionals on a multi-sector, interdisciplinary, and multinational basis on environmental issues.
IV. Develop principles and practices for sustainable environments, considering appropriate ecological, economic, and social aspects.
V. Increase financial stability of SETAC and increase the financial capacity of SETAC to develop new programs/membership services, etc.

In pursuing these goals, SETAC, SETAC Geographical Units (GUs), and its members conduct numerous activities, including:

• Host annual meetings, comprised of short courses, platform and poster presentations, and professional achievement and merit awards, among others.
• Sponsor scientific journals, a newsletter, and technical publications.
• Provide for growth and development of students in environmental sciences to produce the next generation of environmental professionals.
• Support education and training through SETAC awards and scholarship/fellowship programs.
• Organize and sponsor regional and student chapters to provide a forum for presentation of scientific data and to enhance communications and collaboration on regional and local levels.
• Facilitate incorporation of high quality science into policy by providing effective communication of science to technical and non-technical persons, including managers and policy makers, through standing and ad hoc committees.
• Provide advice and counsel to technical and non-technical persons about scientific issues through standing and ad hoc committees.
• Cooperate with other societies to co-sponsor meetings.
• Broaden disciplinary, geographic, and human diversity within SETAC.