Since 25th May 2016, Jose Julio Ortega-Calvo, researcher at IRNAS-CSIC, is the first Spanish president of SETAC Europe. SETAC Europe is a geographic unit (GU) of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC, http://www.setac.org/), established to promote and undertake activities of SETAC in Europe, and to support activities of SETAC in the Middle East and in Africa, SETAC’s newest GU. SETAC Europe adheres to the mission and goals of the global Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry and is dedicated to support the development of principles and practices for protection, enhancement and management of sustainable environmental quality and ecosystem integrity. SETAC Europe provides a forum for individuals and institutions engaged in the study, analysis, and solution of environmental problems; management and regulation of natural resources; and education, research and development relating to the aforementioned issues. Furthermore, SETAC Europe supports and facilitates the translation of environmental science into policy making. Currently, SETAC Europe comprises 2,000 members from industry, universities and government organizations across Europe, and 6.000 worldwide.