SETAC Asia/Pacific is a geographic unit of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC), established to promote and undertake activities of SETAC in the Asia/Pacific region. SETAC A/P is dedicated to the use of multidisciplinary approaches to examine the impacts of chemicals and technology on the environment. The Society also provides an open forum for scientists and institutions engaged in the study of environmental problems, management and regulation of natural resources, education, research and development, and manufacturing and distribution to exchange information and share opinions across the nations and disciplines. The primary goals of SETAC A/P are:

1. To support the development of principles and practices for protection, enhancement and management of sustainable environmental quality and ecosystem integrity of the Asia/Pacific region.
2. To encourage interactions among environmental scientists and disseminate information on environmental toxicology and chemistry.
3. To provide a forum for communication among professionals in government, business, academia, and other segments of the environmental science community and for the protection and welfare of the general public.

The move for an Asia/Pacific unit of SETAC began in 1991, with the lead taken by Dr. Graeme Batley and Dr. Eun Namkung. SETAC A/P was officially included as a geographic unit of SETAC in 1997. It currently comprises approximately 300 members from 12 regions, representing academia, cooperate, government, and research sectors.

Some of the proposed plans for the coming year include regular news bulletins, regional meetings, web site development, and student support. The utmost goal of this year will be "Propagation of the SETAC Spirit of Cooperation" among scientists for solving environmental problems in the Asia/Pacific region.

Membership of SETAC A/P is automatically achieved through application and payment of membership dues to SETAC in North America. SETAC members outside of the A/P region, however, may also elect to be members of SETAC A/P. The SETAC A/P Board of Directors consists of up to 10 members with representation from at least 5 countries in the A/P region, and preferably including representation from government, academia, and business, in keeping with the general aims of SETAC.

For more information, please contact:
Prof Mike McLaughlin
President, SETAC Asia Pacific
CSIRO Land and Water/University of Adelaide
PMB 2
Glen Osmond SA 5064
Australia
Tel: (08) 8303 8433 Int: 88303 8433
Fax: (08) 8303 8565 Int: 88303 8572
Mob: 0409 693 906   Int: 409 693 906
E-mail: Mike.McLaughlin@csiro.au