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 geographical 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 will encompass contributions and achievements throughout all geographic units. In 2007, Global Awards will recognize achievements for the Founders Award and the Rachel Carson Award.

Geographical 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 regular members. All awards are open to member and non-members of SETAC. 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 European.