Help Expand the Open-Access Environmental Toxicology Textbook

Kees van Gestel, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Since its launch in 2019, the open-access textbook “Environmental Toxicology” has been a valuable resource for graduate and undergraduate students, educators and practitioners of environmental sciences. It can be used in regular university teaching programs but is also suitable for self-study. The book is also used by candidates preparing for the International Board of Environmental Risk Assessors (IBERA) certification exam to become IBERA Diplomates.

To continue expanding the textbook and broaden its usefulness across additional subject areas and degree programs, the authors are inviting members of the SETAC community to contribute their expertise. They are seeking suggestions for new topics as well as volunteers to write, review and update existing modules. Your contributions will help ensure the textbook remains a current, high-quality resource for students, educators and environmental professionals worldwide. If you are interested in supporting this initiative, please contact [email protected] or complete a brief interest questionnaire.

Currently, the textbook covers the fundamentals of environmental toxicology, addressing environmental chemistry, ecotoxicology, toxicology and risk assessment. It has a modular design, allowing for flexible use in teaching. Each module is fairly short, typically 1,000–2,000 words, with clear learning objectives and self-assessment questions.

All modules are written by experts, and quality control is ensured through internal and external review of modules by experienced colleagues. In this way, the book helps to improve quality, consistency, continuity and transparency in teaching environmental toxicology.

The textbook was initiated by six Dutch universities with financial support from the Dutch Ministry of Education. Since its launch, it has been used successfully not only in the participating teaching programs but also by colleagues around the world.

Author contact: [email protected]