Exploring the Frontiers of Environmental Science

A thriving scientific environment

In the realm of environmental science, the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) Europe Annual Meeting stands as a beacon of knowledge, collaboration, and innovation. Each year, this event gathers scientists, researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers from around the world to exchange ideas, present groundbreaking research, and discuss the pressing environmental challenges we face. In the charming city of Dublin, Ireland, known for its vibrant history and warm hospitality, the 2023 edition of the SETAC Europe Annual Meeting unfolded, offering a valuable and enriching experience for all attendees. From April 30th to May 4th, the Convention Centre Dublin buzzed with anticipation as experts from diverse fields, including ecotoxicology, environmental chemistry, risk assessment, and sustainability, converged to share their insights and advancements. KWR was represented by five researchers from the Chemical Water Quality & Health team, who came to deliver both posters and platform presentations, engage in scientific discussions, and foster and build new connections in the scientific community.

Engaging scientific sessions

The heart of the SETAC Europe Annual Meeting lies in its comprehensive scientific program, which encompasses a wide range of topics central to environmental science and its applications. Attendees were spoilt for choice with a plethora of sessions, workshops, and topical discussions covering emerging areas such as nanotechnology, environmental modelling, circular economy, and ecosystem health. Leading experts delivered captivating keynote speeches, shedding light on the latest discoveries and offering thought-provoking perspectives on key environmental issues. The conference as a whole explored the intricate relationships between pollutants and ecosystems, the impacts of climate change on biodiversity, and the application of cutting-edge technologies in environmental monitoring and remediation. Within this broad scope, there was particular attention to, among others, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), nano- and microplastics, computational toxicology, risk assessment, and persistent, mobile and toxic (PMT) chemicals. These are all topics that are elaborately studied at KWR! Speaking of which, KWR was able to engage in the state of science at SETAC: KWR delegates contributed to the conference with a talk by Milo de Baat on determining the effects of sampler housing in the combination of passive sampling and bioassays for monitoring the occurrence and toxicity of polar organic contaminants in aquatic environments. In addition, Renske Hoondert gave a talk on gaining insight into the toxicity and toxic mechanisms in relation to the physicochemical properties that determine the persistence and mobility of chemicals in water cycles. Finally, there were several posters presented at SETAC by KWR delegates. Elvio Amato presented his work on detecting PFAS in sea-spray aerosols from the Dutch coast, Frederic Béen presented work done by KWR and VU on the quality prediction of tandem mass spectra of environmentally relevant compounds using machine learning, and Miina Yanagihara presented her work on different types of models used for the derivation of Species Sensitivity Distributions. All-in-all, KWR was well-represented at the conference!

Networking in the environmental science community

But the SETAC Europe Annual Meeting is more than just an opportunity for scientific enlightenment; it is a hub for networking and forging connections with like-minded individuals. The conference facilitated ample networking events, enabling attendees to build professional relationships, collaborate on future research projects, and exchange career advice. Coffee breaks and social events offered informal settings where attendants could connect on a personal level. These moments of interaction allowed for the exploration of shared interests, the formation of new partnerships, and the fostering of connections within the global environmental science community. The SETAC Europe Annual Meeting in Dublin proved to be an exceptional gathering of leading scientists, professionals and policymakers dedicated to solving complex environmental challenges. From thought-provoking scientific sessions and interactive workshops to valuable networking opportunities and exploration of Dublin’s cultural treasures, the event offered a valuable experience for attendees. By bringing together experts from various disciplines, the SETAC Europe Annual Meeting continues to push the boundaries of environmental research, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future. Attending the SETAC Europe Annual Meeting in Dublin provided an intellectual feast for the KWR delegates, and a chance to form lasting connections and collaborations.