SETAC Global and Europe Awards: Call for Nominations and Applications
It's time to recognize exceptional contributions in environmental science, as the SETAC World and SETAC Europe awards programs are now open for submissions for 2026. Each year, SETAC honors excellence in research, policy and professional achievements. These awards celebrate the dedication and innovation that drive our community forward. If you or a colleague have accomplished outstanding work in environmental science, we encourage you to submit an application.
We are inviting nominations or applications for the following SETAC Global awards:
- Founders Award: Celebrates individuals with an acknowledged career in any aspect of the environmental sciences, such as research, technical or regulatory contributions, and who have contributed to the development of our understanding of the influence of human activity on the environment.
- Fellows Award: Honors members who have demonstrated exceptional professional achievement and service to SETAC and the broader environmental science community.
- Exceptional Service Award: Acknowledges extraordinary and sustained service that significantly strengthens SETAC’s mission, operations or member engagement.
- Metals Research Award: Celebrates excellence in metals research that advances the understanding of their environmental behavior, effects, or management. It provides up to US $5,000 to a single graduate student or recent graduate who has focused on research related to the fate and/or effects of metals in the environment.
We are inviting nominations or applications for the following SETAC Europe awards:
- Outstanding Science Career Award: Celebrating professionals with a distinguished record of interdisciplinary achievements across the tripartite sectors of business, government and academia.
- Young Scientist Life Cycle Assessment Award: For scientists under 35 who have made significant advances in life-cycle assessment through a PhD thesis, research or practical implementation.
- Rifcon Early Career Scientist Award: Aimed at recent graduate scientists (within 3 years of completing their degree) who are already making waves through original research, policy or professional achievement.
- Return to Science Grant: Supporting scientists who have taken a temporary career break (for example, maternity, paternity, adoption or other personal reasons) and are returning to make meaningful contributions in environmental science. The Return to Science Grant accepts submissions year-round, with evaluations taking place in early February.
All applications and nominations are due by 28 January 2026.
SETAC Europe Award recipients will be honored during the SETAC Europe 36th Annual Meeting, which will be held from 17–21 May 2026 in Maastricht, the Netherlands.
SETAC Global Award recipient can choose the global SETAC meeting where they would like to receive their award.
Recognizing excellence is an important part of supporting the next generation of environmental scientists and highlighting the achievements that advance our field. Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate those making a difference and nominate a colleague or apply today!
For questions, contact [email protected].