26. May 2026, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology Soil Ecotoxicology Sediment Ecotoxicology Risk Assessment

A look back at SETAC 2026 in Maastricht

We are looking back to an exciting week at SETAC 2026 in Maastricht. It was a great place to share our latest findings with colleagues, discuss our work, and gain fresh inspiration through stimulating exchanges.

This year, our presentations focused strongly on soil and terrestrial ecotoxicology — areas that remain underrepresented, particularly in the regulatory context. “For me personally, it was fantastic to see all of our soil-related projects and collaborations represented,” says Mathieu Renaud from our soil ecotoxicology group.

Fabian Balk presented our latest work on the risk assessment of individual pesticides and pesticide mixtures in agricultural soils. For more information on the risk assessment of pesticide mixtures, take a look at our latest publication. Renee Wouters presented our work on the ecotoxicological assessment of military-contaminated soils (more information), while Louveline Lepeule introduced the development of effect-based threshold values for assessing chemical pressures on soils.

We also showcased several collaborative projects in the field of soil research, including Gilda dell’Ambrogio’s work on how reduced pesticide application affects residue concentrations in soil and Micha Wehrli on models for the toxicity of Pesticide mixtures.

Sibylle Maletz presented our findings on the widespread contamination with anticoagulant rodenticides  in Swiss birds of prey (more information), and Breanne Holmes shared insights into the risks associated with the ubiquitous UV filter octocrylene. Other highlights included the opening keynote by early-career researchers — including our collaborator Micha Wehrli — who shared their perspectives on careers in environmental science today. The science slam was another memorable event, offering both inspiration and perspective.

We are already looking forward to SETAC 2026 in Geneva, where we will take on an even more active role as part of the organizing committee.