46th International Symposium on POPs and Related Pollutants (DIOXIN 2026) & BFR 2026

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)

Registration

👉Registration open soon

Programme

Session Topics

• Progress in Methods for POPs Analysis
• Levels and Trends (Abiotic)
• Levels and Trends (Biota)
• Levels and Trends (Foods and Feeds)
• Fate and Transport
• Human Exposure
• Metabolism
• Toxicology
• Ecotoxicology
• Epidemiology
• Physico-chemical Properties and Modeling
• Risk Assessment and Risk Management
• Formation, Sources and Control
• From Science to Policy
• Per and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS): Occurrence and exposure
• Per and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS): Toxicity
• Micro(nano)plastics as Environmental Vectors for POPs and Additives
• Fate, Detection and Analysis of Chlorinated Paraffins
• Exposome of Emerging Contaminants in the Global Environment
• Environmental and human exposure to plasticizers and other consumer product chemicals
• Screening and identification of novel contaminants
• Legacy and Emerging Flame Retardants: Biotransformation and Toxicity
• Legacy and Emerging Flame Retardants: Occurrence and Exposure
• POPs in polar regions
• Advances in the (bio)remediation of POPs
• European POPs monitoring
• Status and Perspective on Waste Management of POPs

Special Issues

• European POPs monitoring
• POPs in the Developing World
• POPs in Pets and their Applicability as Models for Human Health
• Biodetection methods for POPs in food and environmental samples
• Advancements in pharmacokinetic modeling of persistent chemicals and mixtures - US-EPA

Specific proposals

• EFSA EU food-feed legislation 
• Food incidents over the years 

Social Events

Get-Together: Welcome to Dioxin 2026

• Sunday, 13 September
• 18h – 20h
• Rival del Garda Congress Centre, Parco Lido, 1, 38066 Riva del Garda TN,
  Italy

Begin your Dioxin 2026 journey with a casual and welcoming evening at the Riva del Garda Congress Centre. This informal get-together is designed to help participants ease into the week’s program in a relaxed atmosphere. Meet fellow delegates, reconnect with colleagues, and enjoy light refreshments as you settle into the stunning lakeside setting of Riva del Garda. Whether you are attending for the first time or are a returning participant, this opening event is a great opportunity to start building meaningful connections in a friendly and informal setting.

Welcome Reception: An Evening by the Lake

• Tuesday, 15 September
• 18h – 20h
• Rival del Garda Congress Centre, Parco Lido, 1, 38066 Riva del Garda TN,
  Italy

Join us for a scenic evening reception in the beautiful lakeside gardens of the Riva del Garda Congress Centre, held in collaboration with the BFR Symposium. Set against the backdrop of Lake Garda and the surrounding mountains, this event offers a relaxed environment for conversation, networking, and collaboration across disciplines. Enjoy light refreshments and drinks as you connect with colleagues in one of northern Italy’s most picturesque locations.

Gala Dinner: An Evening of Celebration and Connection

• Thursday, 17 September
• 19h – 01h

Conclude your Dioxin/BFR 2026 experience with our signature Gala Dinner, a memorable evening combining elegance and entertainment. The night begins with a sophisticated cocktail reception, followed by a formal seated dinner featuring regional cuisine and fine wines. After dinner, enjoy music and dancing in a festive setting that celebrates the achievements and connections of the week. The Gala Dinner is the highlight of the social program and offers a unique chance to unwind, socialize, and celebrate the success of the symposium with peers from around the world.

Venue

Riva Del Garda Congress Center

• The only location situated right on the shores of Lake Garda
• Parco Lido, 1 38066 Riva del Garda TN, Italy