Global Environmental Science Community Gathers in Tsukuba for the SETAC Asia-Pacific 15th Biennial Meeting
Zuzanna Neziri, SETAC Asia-Pacific Executive Director
Researchers from across the Asia-Pacific region and well beyond are preparing to gather in Tsukuba, Japan, from 20–23 September for the SETAC Asia-Pacific 15th Biennial Meeting. The call for abstracts drew submissions from research groups spanning the region and reaching well outside it, a sign of the growing global profile of SETAC Asia-Pacific's biennial gathering.
A Program Shaped by the Scientific Committee
Behind the program is SETAC Asia-Pacific's volunteer Scientific Committee, which spent months reviewing submissions and working through how best to group them so delegates can follow related research without having to move between rooms. The result is a set of parallel, themed tracks running throughout the meeting. Under the theme “Rethinking Environmental Balance for the Future,” this year's program brings together diverse research addressing both global priorities and issues that are particularly relevant to the region.
Plastics, PFAS and New Approach Methodologies Lead the Agenda
Plastics research emerged as the meeting’s dominant theme, reflecting growing global attention on microplastics and marine debris. Sessions on PFAS, the so-called “forever chemicals" under increasing regulatory scrutiny worldwide, and on new approach methodologies (NAMs), an emerging suite of tools aimed at reducing reliance on animal testing in risk assessment, also attracted strong interest from presenters.
Building Bridges Across the Region
The meeting reflects SETAC Asia-Pacific’s expanding regional partnerships. A new memorandum of understanding with the Shanghai Society of Toxicology is expected to support greater participation from Chinese researchers, while a dedicated IBERA Diplomats Session will bring environmental risk assessors from China and Japan together for an open discussion on knowledge exchange and certification pathways. Earlier engagement this year at ICEPORM 2026 in Vietnam also helped draw new submissions from Southeast Asia.
“We are delighted to welcome researchers, regulators and industry professionals from across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond to Tsukuba for the SETAC Asia-Pacific 15th Biennial Meeting. Home to more than half of the world’s population and a major center of global manufacturing, the Asia-Pacific region faces unique challenges in balancing economic development, chemical safety and environmental protection,” said Hiroshi Yamamoto, president of SETAC Asia-Pacific and chair of its Scientific Committee. “As Chair of the Scientific Committee, I am especially encouraged by the breadth of perspectives represented in the program. We look forward to fostering scientific exchange and regional collaboration that will help shape a more sustainable future,” said Yamamoto.
“The strong engagement from Japanese institutions and sponsors reflects a shared commitment to addressing environmental challenges through science and collaboration. Tsukuba’s unique concentration of scientific expertise makes it an ideal venue for bringing together researchers from across the Asia-Pacific region and fostering new partnerships,” said Wataru Naito, Vice Chair of the SETAC Tsukuba Local Organizing Committee.
Registration Now Open
Early bird registration for the SETAC Asia-Pacific 15th Biennial Meeting is now open. Register today to take advantage of discounted rates.