ISTC, in collaboration with the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC), organized a special session on ‘Nanomaterials in the Environment: Ecological Risk Assessment’ in the frame of the International Conference ‘Man and Environment’ held in Pushchino Biological Center on June 22 – 24, 2011. ISTC also organized a round table on ‘Regional Ecological Problems’. Participants from Europe, the US and the CIS attended the conference.

The workshop helped formulating eco-toxicological risks of nano-materials and research required in this field. The meeting was in line with the mission of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC), which is a nonprofit, worldwide professional organization aiming to support the development of principles and practices for the protection, enhancement and management of sustainable environmental quality and ecosystem integrity. 

Participants discussed how to introduce SETAC in Russia and CIS countries and foster joint research in the field of environmental toxicology. Membership to SETAC global network would increase research opportunities for CIS scientists. The creation of a regional chapter of SETAC in the CIS was on the agenda.