Welcome Message
Dear colleagues and friends,
On behalf of the Local Organising Committee, we want to warmly welcome you to Riva del Garda for Dioxin 2026 – the 46th International Symposium on POPs and Related Pollutants.
50 years after the Seveso disaster, the meeting will take place in Italy, and experts in the field of persistent organic pollutants and other related emerging pollutants can join and share their experiences with other colleagues. Let us learn from the past, analyse the present, and move towards a future our grandchildren deserve to experience.
Dioxin 2026 will be unique, not only for the beauty of the location, but also because – for the first time – colleagues driving the Dioxin symposium series and colleagues driving the flame retardants symposium series (BFR) have decided to act together for their 2026 editions. We are delighted that we are able to join our forces for what promises to be an excellent joint meeting in a wonderful venue. Together, we will address POP and related pollutant issues globally even better, to tackle current human health and environmental challenges more efficiently. We are hopeful that you will take advantage of meeting delegates from both communities and will help to make our meetings special and memorable.
As expected, Dioxin/BFR 2026 will focus on the science of dioxins and BFRs, but also additional POPs (e.g., PFAS) and other products such as micro/nanoplastics. Together we will share the latest major advances in analytical determination, the understanding of emission, transport, fate, degradation, toxic behaviour, regulations, along with the growing attention in developing countries and global pollution issues.
Up to 800 delegates are expected to register for the event, classically representing more than 400 abstracts (200 oral presentations and 250 posters) presented in up to 4 parallel sessions during five days. In conjunction with the Symposia, there will be an exhibition involving instrumentation, chemical products, accessories, analytical companies, scientific journals, legal entities, research centres, etc.
Surrounded by mountains and with some of the most picturesque views of Lake Garda, Riva del Garda brings together the best of Nordic hospitality with the Italian Riviera lifestyle. We will ensure that attendees enjoy the area of Riva del Garda and its surroundings through multiple types of activities, whether cultural or gastronomic. Active wellness boosts productivity and creativity!
We hope that you will take advantage of this opportunity to be part of Dioxin/BFR 2026, and to gain from the interactions with students, academics, and science professionals from around the world.
Dr. Werner Tirler
Chair Dioxin 2026
Dr. Martin Rose
Chair BFR 2026