TEMA is a society of students, young researchers and professionals interested in the biology of trace elements. It holds international symposia every three years in the Americas, Europe or Asia.

TEMA symposia aim to provide:

1) a forum in which recent progress in studies on the molecular biology, metabolism and functional roles of trace elements can be discussed

2) an opportunity for an exchange of ideas between workers investigating these fundamental aspects of the biological function of trace elements and those whose task is to apply their findings to the field of nutrition, human or veterinary medicine, agriculture, biology, ecology and protection of the environment.

The symposia cover diverse topics related to man and animals and include model systems and trace metals in edible plants and products. TEMA is not traditionally a forum for plant metallobiochemistry or molecular biology, but these subjects may be relevant where parallel systems exist in animals.

The TEMA Society is managed by an elected Parent Committee and by local organising committees for each symposium.