2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the Seveso “dioxin” incident. This pre-event of the Dioxin 2026 Conference aims to introduce young researchers, university fellows and experts in the field to the international scientific context of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). Within this framework, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been selected as a paradigm for a mandatory multi-sector approach, due to their environmental persistence, mobility, and, in some cases, bioaccumulation and toxicity. Following a foresight approach, because of their chemical and physical properties, PFAS represent a multi-generational challenge. Invited speakers will illustrate the international context and the state of the art with a cross-cutting approach encompassing the environment, the food chain, the biota, and the human beings.

In the first part of the day, we will talk about the international framework of PFAS then we will move to hints from the territory with national and international experts.

To enable widespread participation in this initiative, the event will be hybrid, with options to attend virtually or on-site.

Confirmed speakers

Prof. Gabriele Cruciani: full Professor at Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology Department, University of Perugia and Centro Umbro di Ricerca e Innovazione “CURI” project leader.

Prof. Focant Jean-François: full Professor, Head of the Chemistry Department of the University of Liège in Belgium and Dioxin 20xx secretary.

Dr. Werner Tirler: Eco-Research Director and Dioxin 2026 conference chair.

Dr. Gianfranco Brambilla: Istituto Superiore di Sanità manager and Italian reference person for PFAS at the OECD.

Dr. Roland Weber: POPs Environmental Consulting, Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany and international consultant for UN Organisations (UNEP, UNIDO, UNDP, Secretariat of the Stockholm Convention) and environmental ministries on the implementation of the Stockholm Convention on POPs.

Dr. Dorte Herzke: scientist at the Arctic environment section in NILU’s Department of Environmental Chemistry and Health Effects.

Dr. Stefan P.J. van Leeuwen: senior scientist chemical pollutants at WUR, Wageningen University & Research

Prof. Roland Kallenborn: full Professor at the Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology, and Food Science, Norwegian University Life Sciences (NMBU-KBM) and UArctic chair for Arctic environmental pollution research with the University of the Arctic.

Prof. Francesco Galli: full Professor at the Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Perugia and Centro Umbro di Ricerca e Innovazione “CURI” CTS member.

Prof. Marta Venier: Associate Professor at the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University (USA) and head of the Integrated Atmospheric Deposition Network (IADN) for US Environmental Protection Agency.

Dr. Simone Moretti: Centro Umbro di Ricerca e Innovazione “CURI” JPT manager, Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology Department, University of Perugia.

Dr. Michele Mazzetti: senior chemist at Regional Agency of Tuscany for the Environmental (ARPAT).

Prof. David Michele Cappelletti: full Professor at Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology Department, University of Perugia.

Dr. Gianluca Liva: freelance Journalist.

Programme

Click here to download the preliminary programme

Venue

Molecular Horizon Congress Center, Bettona, PG, Italy (click here)

Registration

Free registration (click here)

Max 60 for in-person registrations