Call for Sessions Opens for the SETAC Asia-Pacific 2026 Meeting in Tsukuba
Zuzanna Neziri, SETAC Asia-Pacific Executive Director
SETAC Asia-Pacific has opened the call for session proposals for the SETAC Asia-Pacific 15th Biennial Meeting, scheduled for 20–23 September 2026 in Tsukuba, Japan. The meeting will bring environmental scientists and practitioners from across the region together in one of Japan’s leading research hubs to shape a forward-looking scientific program.
The scientific direction for the meeting is being guided by the Scientific Committee, chaired by Hiroshi Yamamoto, which met in early December to refine the program framework. Committee members emphasized a transparent and collaborative approach designed to capture the breadth of disciplines, perspectives and regional priorities across Asia-Pacific.
The 2026 meeting will center on the theme “Rethinking Environmental Balance Through Science and Innovation,” reflecting the Asia-Pacific region’s emphasis on scientific advancement, collaboration and evidence-based decision-making. Session proposals are now invited from researchers, practitioners, students, regulators and industry professionals, especially those whose work aligns with this theme and the meeting’s scientific tracks.
SETAC encourages session proposals that highlight emerging research, address regional environmental challenges, explore interdisciplinary approaches, or examine new tools, methods or policy applications. Proposals that bring together diverse speakers and perspectives are especially encouraged. In addition to scientific sessions, proposals for workshops and training courses are welcome and may be scheduled on Sunday or as parallel sessions during the meeting.
All submissions will be reviewed by the Scientific Committee, which will evaluate proposals based on scientific quality, relevance to the meeting theme, anticipated interest, alignment with the scientific tracks, and regional and disciplinary representation. The goal is to curate a program that reflects both scientific excellence and the diversity of the Asia-Pacific environmental science community.
The deadline to submit session proposals is 5 February 2026, with committee review taking place later that month. The call for abstracts will open in March 2026.
Tsukuba: A Hub for Science, Innovation and Environmental Research
Tsukuba—often referred to as Japan’s “Science City”—offers a fitting backdrop for the meeting. Home to more than 300 research institutes, national laboratories and universities, the city sits less than an hour from central Tokyo while maintaining close ties to surrounding natural areas, including botanical gardens and research reserves. The setting reflects the meeting’s theme by bringing innovation and environmental stewardship together in a single location.
Additional information, including program updates, travel details, sponsorship opportunities and registration, will be posted on the meeting website. Questions may be directed to [email protected].
By inviting the community to help shape the program, SETAC Asia-Pacific aims to build an engaging and impactful meeting in 2026—one that advances environmental protection and strengthens collaboration across the region. We hope to see you in Tsukuba.
Contact: [email protected]