Joint BTS–SETAC UK Workshop

Science Shaping Regulation – Towards Adoption of Animal-Free, Exposure-Driven Approaches in UK Chemical Regulation

In an exciting new collaboration, the British Toxicology Society (BTS) and the SETAC United Kingdom Branch are hosting a joint workshop on “Science shaping regulation – Towards adoption of animal-free, exposure-driven approaches in UK chemical regulation”. The workshop will take place immediately after the BTS Annual Congress (27–29 April) at the VOCO St John’s Hotel on Wednesday, 29 April, from 13:30–18:00 GMT.

Bringing together experts from academia, government, and industry, the workshop will explore how modern exposure science, new approach methodologies (NAMs), and innovative assessment frameworks can shape a more protective, forward-looking UK regulatory system.

Preliminary schedule
Programme
Time Activity
13:30 Arrival, lunch and posters
14:00

Opening Presentations

  • Anthony Holmes, NC3Rs/Office for Life Sciences (secondee): "UK progress towards non-animal research and testing - the Government's alternative methods strategy"
  • Luigi Margiotta-Casaluci, King’s College London: "The evolving role of environmental chemical safety assessment: from observation to prediction"
  • Sam Harrison, UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, UK-CEH: "Next Generation Environmental Exposure Modelling: Bridging Science and Regulation"
14:45 Break out group discussions
16:15 Group discussion
17:00 Wrap up & poster networking session

As places are limited and to ensure balanced participation, members interested in attending are encouraged to complete the Expression of Interest form as soon as possible. The deadline for submissions is Friday, 30 January 2026, though the form may close earlier if there is high demand. Following EoI review, SETAC will contact selected participants with registration and abstract submission details.

The workshop is open to participants from all sectors and career stages, with particular encouragement for early-career researchers who may not always have access to interactive regulatory-focused sessions. Attendance is capped at 60 participants to ensure active engagement and cross-sector balance.
 

The workshop directly follows the BTS Annual Congress 2026, held from 27–29 April at the same venue. On the morning of 29 April, BTS and SETAC UK will also co-host a joint symposium on next-generation environmental risk assessment, offering an excellent lead-in to the workshop’s themes and a full day of SETAC UK-relevant scientific exchange. Please view the congress programme online. 

SETAC Full members can benefit from attending the full congress at a reduced registration rate, providing an excellent opportunity to strengthen links across the wider (eco)toxicology community.

Please note that the workshop is a separate afternoon event requiring its own Expression of Interest and registration process. Registration for the BTS Congress does not guarantee a place at the workshop.

 

 

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