Mission and Strategy

SETAC is dedicated to advancing environmental science and science-informed decision-making through collaboration, communication, education and leadership. We fulfill that purpose through events, publications, awards and education programs.

Vision

SETAC uses the slogan “Environmental Quality Through Science®” to convey its vision to its members, stakeholders and the public. 

Principles

SETAC was built in 1979 upon a set of founding principles to which the society remains committed. SETAC's principles, as currently defined, are: 

Multidisciplinary Approaches to Solving Environmental Problems

Multi-Sectoral Engagement 

Science-based Objectivity 

Values

All SETAC members and guests are expected to adhere to the SETAC Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct. Further SETAC embraces a set of values to which all members and organizational entities of SETAC adhere:

• Transparency – SETAC is committed to being an open and transparent society. SETAC governance, operations and finances are readily publicly available. For details, consult the relevant entity webpage, governance leadership or staff.
• Integrity – SETAC insists on personal and scientific integrity. See SETAC’s Declaration on Scientific Integrity and relevant SETAC policies including Code of Conduct, Code of Ethics, Ethical Self-Disclosure, Conflict of Interest, and Problem Resolution Process.  
• Diversity and Inclusion – SETAC embraces diversity in all aspects including diversity in scientific expertise, sector and affiliation, as well as personal identity. SETAC endeavors  to be an inclusive community for all environmental students and professionals consistent with our Inclusion Strategy.
• Equity – SETAC is committed to providing resources and opportunities for all members in an equitable fashion. 
• Sustainability – SETAC strives for sustainability in all of its activities.  See SETAC’s Sustainability and Social Responsibility Guidelines.
• Cooperation and Dialogue – SETAC transparency extends into open science with a goal of stimulating knowledge sharing through cooperation and dialogue.

Strategic Priorities

2024 Onwards

Priorities I: Advance Environmental Science and Promote Science-Informed Decision Making

Objectives:

• Collaboration: Foster multidisciplinary multi-sectoral programs to fill gaps between current research and decision needs.
• Communication: Provide forums for communications and knowledge exchange about environmental science and management.
• Education: Offer educational programs in environmental sciences and management.
• Leadership: Develop and nurture leaders in environmental science and management.

Priority II: Sustain Organizational Health

Objectives:

• Governance: Have an agile and inclusive competency-based governance model.
• Structures: Ensure an inclusive and equitable society where members can be engaged.
• Financial: Have a robust financial model with diverse revenue streams
• Operations: Have an agile and inclusive professional administrative model.