Mission: Improve monitoring of environmental pollutants to better understand the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment, and develop strategies for environmental health risk assessment and reduction.

Aims:

1. Develop tools for monitoring environmental contaminants, exposure to toxic substances, and microbial pathogens.

2. Assess the effects and risks of contaminants on human health, including their transfer through the food chain.

3. Explore links between environmental pollution and health.

4. Evaluate the effectiveness of policies in reducing pollution-related health risks.

5. Enhance real-time monitoring and risk identification.

6. Work with stakeholders to develop informed environmental and health policies.

The research within the Environmental Monitoring, Health, and Risk Assessment research group (RG5) aligns with the need to address environmental contamination, protect human and ecosystem health, and promote sustainable practices. It directly supports initiatives like the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Furthermore, RG5’s research contributes to the two EU Missions: ‘Ocean & Waters’ and ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’, as well as EU policies such as the Water Framework Directive, Farm to Fork Strategy, Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, and the One Health Action Plan against Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). The group’s work also aligns with global initiatives like the ‘2024 A Global Ocean Free from the Harmful Impacts of Pollution: Roadmap for Action’, and those addressing AMR and zoonotic disease threats.

RG5 directly supports:

TL2: Environmental Monitoring, Health, and Risk Assessment – RG5 focus on innovative monitoring technologies, comprehensive risk assessments, and the development of mitigation strategies that safeguard ecosystem and human health.

TL1: Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation – RG5 research on contaminant impacts, effects on sensitive species, and ecosystem resilience contributes essential knowledge for conservation and restoration efforts.