Reflections on our time at SETAC AU 2025

by Kyle Morrison

​Lorenzo and I had the great opportunity to return to the SETAC-AU (Australasian Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry) which was in Wellington. For both of us, this was our first time in New Zealand and we were lucky to have an amazing weather during our visit (which we were told is a rare occurrence). 
 
During the conference, I presented a talk about my meta-analyses appraisal tool called MATES. I also had a poster about systematic evidence map of the past sixty years of organochlorine pesticide research. Lorenzo presented both a talk and a poster too – his talk was about the systematic map of reviews on PFAS effects on health  and his poster was about a meta-analysis on PFAS bioaccumulation through food webs.

I am pleased to say our presentations were a great success - I won best oral presentation award and Lorenzo won best poster award.

Photo of Lorenzo and myself at the SETAC conference with our awards!

One of the highlights for me was reconnecting with familiar faces from previous SETAC conferences and meeting new colleagues working across a wide spectrum of pollutants and approaches - ranging from lab toxicology and field ecology to modelling and policy translation. There is something special about seeing so many different perspectives converge on a shared goal to reduce pollution.
 
After the conference we took the opportunity to explore some of the local sights and enjoyed availing of the local cafes, restaurants and pubs. All of which had their own unique vibe and character which was super cool and interesting to see. Although the week flew by, we are left grateful and inspired. We are already looking forward to staying in touch with the SETAC community and to future opportunities - whether at the next conference or in collaborative projects that keep the momentum going.