The Australasian College of Toxicology and Risk Assessment Inc (ACTRA) is a nonprofit professional organization established in July 2006. It serves as a platform to advance the study and application of toxicology and health risk assessment as scientific disciplines within the Australasian region, including Australia and New Zealand.

Objectives and Mission

ACTRA's primary goals are to promote toxicology and health risk assessment, and to cultivate and maintain the highest standards of professional practice and ethics among professionals in these fields. The organization focuses on fostering scientific advancement and professional recognition for toxicologists and health risk assessors (HRAs)[1][5].

Membership and Professional Registration

Membership is open to individuals working in toxicology and risk assessment, spanning sectors such as academia, government, consulting, and commercial industries. ACTRA provides members with resources including electronic newsletters and discounted access to meetings and workshops.

A key feature of ACTRA is its peer-reviewed Registration Program, which formally recognizes the professional credentials and competence of toxicologists and HRAs in Australia and New Zealand. Registration requires demonstration of appropriate educational and professional achievements and a commitment to continuing education and professional development. As of recent reports, ACTRA has over 130 members internationally, including registered professionals and fellows[1][5].

Activities and Educational Opportunities

ACTRA regularly organizes educational events such as monthly webinars, annual scientific meetings, continuing education days, workshops, symposia, and short courses. These events cover cutting-edge topics in toxicology and risk assessment, including specialized fields like petroleum toxicology, neurotoxicology, and reproductive/developmental toxicology. The organization also collaborates with related entities, such as SETAC Australasia, to enhance professional development and scientific exchange[2][4][5].

Awards and Recognition

The College acknowledges exceptional contributions to the field through awards such as the ACTRA Award of Merit. Past recipients include notable figures like Professor Brian Priestly and Dr Peter Di Marco, both of whom have served as ACTRA presidents[5].

Regional Presence and Impact

ACTRA's membership is distributed across most Australian states and territories as well as New Zealand, reflecting its regional influence. Members represent a diverse range of sectors, making ACTRA a comprehensive professional body that significantly contributes to the development and application of toxicology and health risk assessment across Australasia[5].

This overview reflects ACTRA's role as a leading Australasian professional body dedicated to toxicology and risk assessment, supporting scientific rigor, professional standards, and ongoing education in these critical scientific disciplines.

[1] https://actra.org.au [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/6eb1ad04-3aaf-e811-a963-000d3ad244fd [3] https://actra.org.au/membership/ [4] https://confer.eventsair.com/setac-actra-2025/about-us [5] https://www.toxicology.org/events/am/am2022/posters/Australasian-College-of-Toxicology-and-Risk-Assessment.pdf