SETAC Africa 13th Biennial Conference

“From Science to Solutions: Advancing Environmental Stewardship, Chemical Safety and Public Health in Africa”

The SETAC Africa 13th Biennial Conference theme highlights the science-policy interface and the importance of evidence-based decision-making, environmental risk assessment, chemical management, and translating research findings into practical solutions and policies.

The conference will focus on environmental challenges and opportunities relevant to African contexts, including climate resilience, biodiversity protection, chemical safety, pollution prevention, sustainable development, public health, environmental health, One Health, emerging contaminants, capacity strengthening and equitable access to environmental science.

Bringing together participants from academia, government, industry, civil society and other areas of environmental research and practice, the meeting will provide a forum to strengthen links between science, regulation, policy and implementation. The programme will include plenary and keynote lectures, concurrent scientific sessions, poster presentations, special sessions, workshops, professional development activities, regulatory and policy roundtables, and events for students and early-career scientists.

Tracks

The scientific programme will be organised around the tracks below.

1. Environmental Contaminants and Chemical Safety

Keywords: Legacy and emerging contaminants; pesticides; pharmaceuticals; PFAS; metals; plastics; nanomaterials; mixtures; exposure and fate.

2. Aquatic, Terrestrial and Coastal Ecosystems

Keywords: Freshwater, marine, estuarine, soil and wildlife ecotoxicology; biodiversity; ecosystem services; ecological risk.

3. Climate Change, Biodiversity and One Health

Keywords: Climate-driven exposure; multiple stressors; ecosystem resilience; zoonotic interfaces; environmental and public health connections.

4. Risk Assessment, Regulation and Policy

Keywords: Environmental risk assessment; regulatory science; monitoring; standards; science-policy interfaces; governance and compliance.

5. New Approach Methodologies and Innovation

Keywords: NAMs; modelling; omics; AI; digital tools; sensors; low-cost methods; citizen science; safe and sustainable by design.

6. Pollution Prevention and Sustainable Solutions

Keywords: Green chemistry; circular economy; waste management; remediation; cleaner production; nature-based solutions.

7. African Capacity, Equity and Environmental Justice

Keywords: Infrastructure; skills development; community engagement; indigenous knowledge; equitable partnerships; research leadership.

8. Education, Communication and Professional Development

Keywords: Teaching innovation; science communication; mentorship; career development; stakeholder engagement and outreach.