A New Year, A Shared Commitment
Message from the President, SETAC North America
Chris Stransky, SETAC North America President
As we begin a new year, I am deeply honored to have been selected to serve as President of SETAC North America. Our Society represents an extraordinary community of scientists, practitioners and students, and I am grateful for the trust you have placed in me. As President, I look forward not only to leading but also to listening and learning from your experiences, perspectives and ideas so we can best support our members and our shared mission.
Like many of you, my own path into the environmental field was shaped by mentors who took time, colleagues who challenged my thinking, and a professional community that believed this work truly matters. The science we conduct and the decisions we help inform directly affect environmental quality, ecosystem resilience and human health. The many opportunities we have to collaborate through SETAC enables this to happen.
Why Our Work Matters – Now More Than Ever
The environmental sciences field has never been more critical. We are facing increasingly complex challenges: emerging contaminants, biodiversity loss and climate-driven change to questions of equity, sustainability, use of new technologies such as AI, and public trust in science. In this moment, our field plays a critical role in translating robust science into informed decisions that protect ecosystems and human health.
Environmental scientists bring evidence, clarity and context to complex problems. We translate data into understanding, uncertainty into informed decision-making, and science into meaningful action. The work you do whether in research, regulation, industry or education matters profoundly.
Supporting Students and Early-Career Professionals
To our students and early-career members: I remember what it felt like to be early in this field, excited by the science, uncertain about the path ahead and eager to contribute. Your ideas, energy and willingness to ask new questions and approach problems in new ways strengthen our science and our Society. I encourage you this year to engage fully: share your work, ask questions, seek out mentors and take advantage of the many opportunities within SETAC. Your participation strengthens our community and advances our science – and the future is in your hands.
A Shared Responsibility
To our mid-career and senior members: many of us are here because someone offered guidance, encouragement or opportunity at a pivotal moment. I invite you this year to continue that tradition to mentor, listen and help create inclusive spaces where emerging scientists can thrive.
As a Society, we will continue striving to support scientific excellence, foster collaboration across sectors, and ensure that all members feel welcomed and valued. My commitment as President is to work alongside you, to hear what you need, and to help position SETAC and its members for continued success.
Looking Ahead Together
The year ahead will bring challenges but also tremendous opportunity. I am inspired by the dedication and talent within SETAC, and I am optimistic about what we can accomplish together.
Thank you for the work you do, for the passion you bring to our field and for the trust you have placed in me. I look forward to learning from you and working with you in the year ahead.
Contact: [email protected]