SETAC Montreal Here We Come
Marcy LeBlanc, SETAC Programs Manager
As Montreal gears up for a vibrant autumn, SETAC is bringing an environmental sciences extravaganza of its own to the city. Under the new, condensed four-day meeting schedule, the SETAC North America 47th Annual Meeting will commence on Monday, 2 November, with the Opening Ceremony and Reception before plunging into three jam-packed days of scientific exchange and networking opportunities. The scientific program is packed with professional training courses, thought-provoking plenary talks, and oral and poster sessions, while the parallel program features networking opportunities and fun social events.
On Tuesday, 3 November, Steven Guilbeault, renowned environmentalist, will share his insights at the intersection of policy and activism. Guilbeault served as environment minister under Justin Trudeau between 2021 and 2025 and also served as the member of Parliament for Laurier—Sainte-Marie, Quebec. He officially left politics on 28 August, continuing what he described as his “quest for a better environment, for the fight against climate change, for nature protection.”
On Wednesday, 4 November, Jennifer Grenz, Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia’s Indigenous Ecology Lab and author, will discuss her transformative work in Indigenous ecology and land healing. Grenz is also the author of, “Medicine Wheel for the Planet: A Journey toward Personal and Ecological Healing.” You can meet the author, buy her book and have your copy signed during the afternoon poster session.
Beyond the scientific program, there will be plenty of opportunities to experience some of the cultural highlights Quebec has to offer. While the Canadiens defend home ice against the Carolina Hurricanes at the nearby Bell Centre, no ice is needed to play hockey in the SETAC exhibit hall, where you can flex your slapshot skills at the indoor hockey net. You can also support the Endowment Fund Hockey Fundraiser by making a donation to send a friend to the penalty box for a photo op. Also, this might be your chance to win a SETAC hockey jersey.
Venturing outside of the convention center, this year’s SETAC 5K Fun Run features a stretch along the beautiful Saint Lawrence River. The run will take place Wednesday morning, rain or shine (or snow!), so bring your “tuque!” Runners, joggers, walkers, trotters and rollers are welcome!
Fancy yourself more of an inside cat? After you’ve had time to decompress and refuel on Wednesday evening, we hope you’ll join us at the Pointe-à-Callière Museum of Archeology and History. It is a short walk from the convention center and is built on several historic and archaeological sites that remain exposed and are part of the museum’s permanent display on the history of the city. The museum also has collections of artifacts from the First Nations of the Montreal region as part of its exhibits. Be sure to register for this night of adventure and curiosity as we will have access to the full museum.
Register for SETAC Montreal by 16 September and secure your early bird rate!
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