ATTENTION: NEWS EDITORS & REPORTERS
Media Release
For immediate release
Wednesday, 01 October 2025
The Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC), conference is taking place at the Sandton Convention Center in Johannesburg, South Africa. Spearheaded by the current SETAC Africa Vice President, Dr Tarryn Lee Botha, the SETAC 9th World Congress chair from the University of Johannesburg (UJ), expects delegates from across the globe with attendees from 38 countries. Dr. Tarryn Lee Botha is supported by two co-chairs, Prof Wynand Malherbe and Dr Conrad Sparks, and an international program committee.
The congress is being jointly organized with the SETAC Africa biennial meeting, whose current Africa President, Prof Gabriel Dedeke from Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria, states “This landmark event will unite environmental scientists, policymakers, industry leaders, NGO representatives, and civil society actors from across the globe. We are convening to address the urgent imperative of sustainable development through the critical integration of science, policy, and practice; all within the dynamic context of a rapidly changing world.
More than 40 interactive sessions, led by experts across continents, covering topics such as ecotoxicology, emerging contaminants, biodiversity monitoring, One health, indigenous knowledge, and regulatory innovations will be held. The current SETAC World President Professor Amanda Reichelt-Brushett from Southern Cross University, Australia, highlights that “this World Congress provides a great opportunity to bring together global experts. It will encourage knowledge sharing and provoke ideas for solutions to pressing issues impacting the health of the global environment, from mountains and rivers to deserts and oceans”.
This international event will bring together between 300 and 350 scientists, regulators, policy experts and business industry leaders from across Africa and around the globe to advance science-based solutions to address a wide array of environmental challenges. The theme “Sustainable Development in a Changing World: Integrating Environmental Science, Policy and Practice” provides a platform for advancing complex environmental challenges through cross-sector collaboration. This is particularly important in the context of societal challenges in attaining sustainable development goals with environment, energy and society in mind. Participants will have the platform to share and engage on how to align community based and scientific evidence with environmental policy and practical applications.
SETAC’s tripartite character relies on a fundamental balance of scientific participation among government, academia and business. Dr Botha highlights that “The congress offers a dynamic program that encompasses presentations, panel discussions, and workshops. Topics will cover the effect of pollution on communities, environment and ecosystems, as well as innovative approaches to assess and reduce risks from harmful chemicals, innovative approaches to a safer environment and human health.”.
“In 2025 the SETAC World Congress, for the first time on African soil, marks an important milestone for international scientific exchange in the Global scientific community and offers industry stakeholders unique opportunities for knowledge-sharing, training and networking. Hosting this congress in Johannesburg not only elevates SETAC’s global profile but also inspires the next generation of African environmental leaders.” says Dr Botha. This is echoed by Dr Bart Bosveld, Executive Director SETAC Global, “Who emphasized the importance of the SETAC World Congress to facilitate and promote collaborations between the global north and south in support of SETAC’s mission to advance environmental science and management globally.”
For more information, including participation, registration and program details, visit the website here.
Ends.
About SETAC
SETAC is a not-for-profit, global professional organization bringing together more than 9,700 individuals and their institutions from more than 120 countries. SETAC is dedicated to advancing environmental science and science-informed decision-making through collaboration, communication, education and leadership. We fulfill this purpose through events, publications, awards and professional development initiatives.
Issued by:
Masego Panyane
Media Relations
Email: masegop@uj.ac.za
Tel: (011) 559 1571
Cell: 084 067 7528
