This year, Ecotoxicology Master’s students Dana Hiett and Yugeshini Rajendran had the opportunity to join the SETAC European Conference 2026 as student volunteers in Maastricht. Here, we share some of our experiences, the connections we made and things we learned during this eventful week.
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EU Reform of pesticide approval faces criticism: Researchers warn of weakened safety standards
The EU sets the global standard for pesticide regulation. However, many believe that the current approval process is in need of reform. A new legislative package aims to simplify the process. From the researchers’ perspective, the package poses significant risks to the environment and human health. In an article in the journal Science, an international research team from 27 European research institutions, led by the University of Freiburg, warns that key protective mechanisms could be weakened. At the same time, the authors highlight ways to make authorization procedures more efficient without endangering environmental and health protection. Carsten Brühl, from the RPTU, is one of the co-authors.
Continue readingFrom lecture room to global stage: My SETAC Journey
SETAC conferences provide opportunities for scientific exchange, networking, and professional growth. Oluwafemi Sarumi shares his exciting experiences both at the SETAC 13th Young Environmental Scientists Meeting in York, United Kingdom, and the recently concluded SETAC Europe 36th Annual Meeting in Maastricht, Netherlands.
Continue readingEuropean Parliament adopts more stringent rules to reduce water pollution
The European Parliament moves to adopt stricter rules to reduce water pollution and improve water quality standards across the EU
Continue readingEuropean Commission proposes indefinite approval of pesticide active substances
The European Commission has proposed a “Food and Feed Safety Omnibus” regulation that includes a shift toward indefinite approval for most active substances in pesticides, except in specific cases involving the most hazardous substances.
Continue readingBUND test detects widespread PFAS exposure
The Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland (BUND) has recently detected high PFAS levels in 42 out of 46 drinking water samples collected from households across Germany. They now call for a comprehensive PFAS restriction and consistent application of the polluter pays principle to protect drinking water.
Continue readingClimate Neutrality is Europe’s Greatest Economic Opportunity
In an effort to align EU Policy with Scientific Evidence, over 2000 scientists signed an open letter to EU heads of state and government ahead of the European Council on 23 October this week, reminding the importance of Climate Neutrality.
Continue readingToo many chemicals, too little assessment: Current status of global chemical pollution
A new extensive review article assessing the state of global chemical pollution highlights the challenges for global chemical assessment, regulation and management systems.
SETAC 13th Young Environmental Scientists Meeting
The SETAC 13th Young Environmental Scientists (YES) meeting took place from the 11th to the 14th of August in York, United Kingdom. Katharina Wifling and I, Verónica Rodriguez, attended the conference to present our research. Katharina presented a poster based on her RPC, while I presented a poster on my master’s thesis.
Continue readingTop 25 papers of 2024: pesticides spread in an Alpine Valley
Pesticides on the peaks: Alpine study made the Top 25 of 2024 in Communications Earth & Environment.
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