Countdown to SETAC 9th World Congress in Johannesburg: There’s Still Time to Join Us
Tarryn Botha, Wynand Malherbe and Conrad Sparks, SETAC 9th World Congress Co-Chairs
The SETAC 9th World Congress, held in conjunction with the SETAC Africa 12th Biennial Meeting, is just eight weeks away, taking place from 29 September to 3 October 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa. For the first time on the African continent, this landmark event will unite environmental scientists, policymakers, industry leaders and civil society under the theme “Sustainable Development in a Changing World: Integrating Environmental Science, Policy and Practice.”
A Program Designed for Connection and Depth
The daily schedule of the congress has been carefully curated to foster scientific exchange, cross-sector collaboration and professional growth. Mornings will open with high-level plenary sessions, followed by concurrent platform presentations spanning key topics such as ecotoxicology, environmental chemistry, policy, remediation and innovation. Sessions will be led by leading scientists, policymakers and representatives from international agencies and grassroots organizations.
Highlighted sessions include:
- Pollutants Without Borders: Tracking Environmental Pathways, Assessing Risks and Advancing Solutions
- Plastics in Aquatic Environments: Occurrence, Effects, and Implications (Macro to Micro)
- Wildlife Ecotoxicology: Integrating Bottom-Up and Top-Down Effects of Stressors in a Changing World
- One Health Approach to Protect Human Health in a Changing Environment
- Nanomaterials and Advanced 2D Materials: Innovations, Transformations, and Ecotoxicological Implications
- Integrative Framing for Environmental Assessment: Ecosystem Services, Sustainability, Lifecycle Assessment and Other Tools for Science-Informed Decision Making
Workshops and Special Sessions
On Monday, 29 September, pre-congress workshops will cover topics such as science communication and citizen science, offering delegates hands-on opportunities to network and build practical skills.
Special sessions during the week will include:
- The Women in SETAC as Drivers of Global Sustainability in Environmental Science, Policy and Practice event on Thursday, 2 October, creating space for mentorship, empowerment and community.
- A Publication Panel Discussion on Friday, 3 October, featuring editors from leading environmental journals, including the SETAC publications team. This interactive mini-workshop will explore publication strategies and offer tips to increase research publication success and impact.
Daily poster sessions and social events will further foster connection, whether you’re a student, early career researcher or seasoned professional. The congress is designed to support cross-generational exchange and inspire collaborative approaches to global environmental challenges.
Youth-Led Science Communication: The “Toxic Truths” Podcast
This year’s congress will feature the “Toxic Truths” podcast, a youth-led platform exploring ecotoxicology, environmental health and sustainability through the voices of early-career scientists. Episodes connect cutting-edge research to real-world challenges, making complex topics accessible and relevant.
At the SETAC World Congress, “Toxic Truths” will record live on-site, capturing conversations, insights and stories from delegates to share with a global audience, amplifying the congress far beyond Johannesburg.
Johannesburg: A Destination of Discovery
Johannesburg offers a unique blend of history, hospitality and access to nature. From heritage tours to wildlife excursions, the city provides an inspiring backdrop to reflect on science’s role in creating a more just and sustainable world.
The Sandton Convention Centre, located in one of Johannesburg’s most vibrant districts, offers world-class facilities, cultural richness and an excellent culinary scene. SETAC has negotiated reduced rates when accommodation is booked via the conference website.
Don’t miss out on this landmark event! Late-breaking science abstract submission are still open, and early-bird registration closes on Thursday, 14 August.
Join the global SETAC community in shaping the science of tomorrow—one session, one connection, one solution and now, one podcast episode at a time.
Authors’ contact: [email protected]