About Us

The ISTA symposium series has met regularly since 1983 when it was held for the first time in Burlington, Ontario.  It provides a platform for scientists from around the world to discuss the latest developments in understanding levels of toxicity and mechanisms of action for chemicals of global concern, to better inform regulatory toxicology focused on public health and environmental safety.  Current advances in the fields of toxicity assessment, biomarkers and bioindicators, environmental chemistry and green chemistry, exposomics, new approach methods, systems toxicology, risk assessment, and remediation and mitigation methodologies and technologies will be covered.  

ISTA 20 is a unique opportunity to bring together researchers, managers and practitioners, regulators, non-governmental organizations, and policymakers to exchange ideas, identify research priorities, and determine resource needs, in order to support better management of ecosystem health and minimize risks to public health. Early career researchers and students are strongly encouraged to participate in ISTA 20. These meetings have been shown to provide an excellent opportunity for networking and career advancement. 

Located in the northern Great Plains of North America, the City of Saskatoon with its approx. 300,000 inhabitants is the main educational and cultural center for the province of Saskatchewan.  Saskatoon is a vibrant city that is famous for its hospitality, and it boasts more restaurants per capita than any other city in Canada.  It is only a two-hour drive north to the breathtaking wilderness and lakes of Canada’s boreal forest.  The University of Saskatchewan is one of Canada’s top 15 universities with over 26,000 students.  It is home to the Toxicology Centre, which was established in 1982 and houses one of the largest environmental toxicology research and training programs in the world.  During your stay, you will be hosted by the faculty, staff and students of the Centre. 

While Canada is mostly known for its winters, Saskatchewan is considered one of the sunniest places in Canada and August is the best season to come to this part of Canada!  Temperatures range from 20 to 30°C, and rain is very rare during the summer months.  Transportation to and from Saskatoon is both convenient and easy.  The John G. Diefenbaker International Airport provides direct flights to and from most major centers in central and western Canada (Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Vancouver, Toronto), as well as direct connections to Minneapolis (USA). The airport is only 10 minutes from the heart of the City, and is easily accessible by taxi or shuttle service.