Lessons from the 2018 International Symposium on Alternatives Assessment: Advances and reflections on practice and ongoing needs to build the field

Alternatives Assessment is gaining traction as a systematic method to support the informed substitution of chemicals of concern. The 2018 International Symposium on Alternatives Assessment, on November 1‐2, 2018 convened nearly 150 professionals from government agencies, industry, consultant firms, academia and advocacy organizations to advance a greater understanding of the evolving methods, practices and challenges in the use of alternatives assessment. This article reviews highlights and lessons from the Symposium, including: (1) notable advances in methods, (2) shared insights from practitioners on best practices as well as inherent tensions and challenges, and (3) research and practice needs in the field that can be addressed by organizations such as the newly launched Association for the Advancement of Alternatives Assessment. Being interdisciplinary in nature, the establishment of educational frameworks across disciplines and inclusion of diverse expertise in hazard and exposure assessments, life cycle impacts considerations, design principles, and economic and engineering evaluations will ensure continued growth of the field.