Hlengiwe Zuma and Mzamo Mnikathi share their experiences at the SETAC conference from 5-9 May, 2024 in Seville, Spain.

“Upon joining the Institute of Natural Resources (INR), I was pursuing my Master’s degree in Environmental Management with a focus on solid waste management. Fortunately, the INR had recently been appointed to implement the Environmental Pollution Program (EPP), encompassing various projects including one on a solid waste research project. This program is funded by the UK Government – Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and is coordinated by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), which is also based in the UK. As a Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) member, JNCC issued a call for projects in chemistry and toxicology to present posters and presentations at the SETAC annual conference in Spain. The INR submitted abstracts of projects under EPP and were accepted. The conference took place from 5–9 May 2024. During the conference, I had an opportunity to present a poster, expand my networks, exchange ideas and explore opportunities within South Africa, Africa, and beyond. This will contribute a lot to my career pathing. Seville, Spain, is a remarkable place, steeped in history. However, it is the people who make it truly exceptional; they are welcoming, warm and friendly, yet noticeably impatient (a trait I noticed in almost everyone in Seville). Surprisingly, this impatience translated into remarkable efficiency in their daily activities. Arriving at the onset of summer, the weather was intensely hot with a slight breeze. Although the cuisine was similar to South African fare, it boasted unique flavors that delighted our palates. Our dining experiences were thoroughly enjoyable in every restaurant we visited. Overall, this has been an amazing experience, a once in a lifetime opportunity, that I never imagined I would have. It was more than just a conference it felt like a vacation; special thanks to our INR mentors and the project funders for that. Our gratitude also goes to SANBI, Groen Sebenza Programme (every coordinator) and INR (Jon, Brigid and Nisha). We cannot express enough how much we appreciate this opportunity we had.” – Hlengiwe Zuma

“I recently had the incredible opportunity to travel to Seville, Spain, for the first time for the SETAC conference. This journey was not only my first experience travelling abroad but also an invaluable professional adventure. The long hours on the plane were gruelling, but the overall experience was undoubtedly worth it. At SETAC, I had the chance to connect with fellow scientists from around the world. The exposure to diverse perspectives and innovative ideas was both inspiring and enriching. I was honoured to be given a platform to present on a wetland recovery project I am working on, which is a significant milestone in my career. Additionally, presenting my poster provided me with further insights and constructive feedback that have broadened my horizons. Beyond the professional aspects, I was captivated by the vibrant culture and delectable cuisine of Seville. Every meal was a delightful exploration of new flavours, and the city’s rich cultural heritage left a lasting impression on me. This experience has not only expanded my professional network but also opened my eyes to the vast possibilities that lie ahead. Travelling abroad has proven to be an incredible opportunity for growth, both personally and professionally. I look forward to more such adventures in the future and to SETAC 2025 in Vienna. Every GS intern should have the opportunity to travel abroad. I would like to show gratitude to SANBI for the opportunity I received through the GS programme and INR (Jon, Brigid and Nisha) for their mentorship. No words could describe my appreciation for your guidance.” – Mzamo Mnikathi