Chemical Journeys
Chemical Journeys explores the science and the human stories behind chemicals in the environment. Each episode features conversations with researchers, regulators and other people working in the field. The show unpacks how these substances move through air, water, soil and living things, and what that means for health and policy. It is aimed at anyone curious about environmental chemistry and its real-world impact.
Episodes
Uncovering chemical biodegradation in the environment - Kathrin Fenner, Eawag
In this episode I speak with Prof. Kathrin Fenner, one of the leading academic scientists in the study of chemical biodegradation and environmental persistence.Kathrin and I have a far-reaching conversation covering her background and research interests, challenges and developments in chemical biodegradation research, and implications for policy and society. We have learned an enormous amount abou
Chemicals in our language - Joanna Gavins, University of Sheffield
In this episode I speak with Joanna Gavins, who is a professor of English Language and Literature at the University of Sheffield.Joanna and I discuss the language we use and how this influences the way we think, feel and act in relation to choices we make, the environment, and chemicals. We start off by discussing the work Joanna has been doing at the Bio-based and Biodegradable Industries Associa
Early career journeys in academia and beyond - Fola Ogungbemi, Currenta
Happy 2026, and welcome to Chemical Journeys Season 2!In this episode, I speak with Dr. Fola Ogungbemi, Senior Expert in Product Compliance at Currenta.Fola and I talk about his career journey so far, from student in ecotoxicology to senior regulatory consultant. We discuss experiences of early career scientists finding their next steps after completing a PhD, adapting to working in different sect
Putting yourself in a regulator's shoes - Watze de Wolf
In this episode, I speak with Dr. Watze de Wolf. Watze has had a long and accomplished career working as a scientist and manager in both industry and regulatory settings, including 15 years working at the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). We have a wide-ranging discussion about his experiences and observations of how chemicals management has evolved over recent decades, and attempt to provide a d
A tool to improve your regulatory foresight - Steven Brennan, Foresight
In this episode I speak with Dr. Steven Brennan, co-founder and CEO of Foresight.Foresight is a software platform that helps organizations to make sense of complex and fast moving chemical regulations, so they can always be ready for what's coming next.Steven and I have a nice conversation that shows how he turned his years of regulatory experience into a software solution that solves a key c
Getting a grip on environmental persistence – Irene Bramke, AstraZeneca
What happens to the chemicals we use in everyday life once they enter the environment?In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Irene Bramke, Senior Environmental Risk Assessor at AstraZeneca. Irene and I have a detailed discussion about persistence (how long it takes for chemicals to break down in the environment). With recent concerns around plastic pollution, PFAS 'forever chemicals', and b
Fostering advances in chemical safety research - Katherine Santizo, Cefic-LRI
In this episode I speak with Dr Katherine Santizo, Programme Manager of Cefic's Long-range Research Initiative (LRI). Since 1999, Cefic-LRI has funded over 250 projects (totaling approximately €90 million) to advance the scientific assessment of the safety of chemicals, and to improve understanding of potential health and environmental risks.Tune in to hear first-hand from Katherine about the
Green chemistry in practice - Anna Zhenova, Green Rose Chemistry
In this episode I speak with Dr Anna Zhenova of Green Rose Chemistry.Green Rose Chemistry are a mission-driven consultancy applying the principles of green chemistry to help organisations to develop more sustainable products and processes.Our conversation covers:What does Green Rose Chemistry do?Green chemistry as a grass roots movement - the need for education and champions within organisationsHo
Serving the regulatory compliance community - Janet Greenwood, TT Environmental
In this episode, I speak with Janet Greenwood of TT Environmental. Janet has been working for many years in chemicals safety and regulatory compliance, and runs a community of regulatory professionals (the Chemical Regulations Self Help Group) here in the UK, and a regular newsletter (Chemicals Coffee Time) with over 4000 subscribers across the globe. Janet therefore brings an important perspectiv
The dual revolution of AI and animal-free science - Thomas Hartung, Johns Hopkins University
In this episode I speak with Professor Thomas Hartung. Prof Hartung is Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair of Evidence-based Toxicology at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Konstanz. He also holds positions as Director of the Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) and Field Chief Editor of the academic journal Frontier
Working together to advance chemical safety - Blanca Serrano, ECETOC
In this episode I speak with Dr. Blanca Serrano Ramón, Secretary General of the European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals (ECETOC). ECETOC is a scientific organisation that brings together experts from industry, academia and regulatory bodies to tackle challenges and deliver solutions for chemical safety.Through its range of task forces, events and coordination activities, ECET
Decoding messages from nature - Andrew Johnson, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
In this episode I speak with Andrew Johnson, Environmental Research Scientist at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and Visiting Professor at Brunel University.Andrew and I have a fascinating discussion about the current state of scientific research and public discourse on chemicals, and how a different approach might ultimately lead to better outcomes for wildlife. Our conversation covers:
How should society manage the use of chemicals? A conversation with Todd Gouin
In this episode I am joined by Todd Gouin of TG Environmental Research. Todd and I have a far-reaching discussion about the science and policy of chemicals in the environment. Our conversation covers:Todd's career journey and the role of Don MackayThe concept of environmental persistenceTools for chemicals management and the evolving policy landscapeExposure assessment and risk assessment - t
How should we expect the new hazard classes under EU CLP to play out in practice?
In this episode I share an article discussing the new hazard classes under the EU CLP regulation, and what this might mean for chemicals management more broadly. As a reminder, the new CLP hazard classes are:Endocrine disruptors (ED) for human health and the environment;Persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT); very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB); andPersistent, mobile and toxic (PM
Investigating the fate of chemicals in the environment – Gabriel Sigmund, Wageningen University & Research
I speak with Gabriel Sigmund, Assistant Professor at Wageningen University and Research, and board member of the International Panel on Chemical Pollution (IPCP).We discuss:Gabriel’s background and research interestsHow the fate of charged organic compounds differs from neutral compoundsThe issue of mobility in the environment and the concern around persistent, mobile and toxic (PMT) substancesCom
Tending the environmental science ecosystem - Sabine Apitz, SETAC Europe President
Ahead of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) annual European conference in Vienna (11-15th May), I caught up with Sabine Apitz, SETAC Europe President and Editor-in-Chief of the academic journal Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management (IEAM). Sabine and I had a fascinating discussion about environmental science, the scientific community, and the emergence and a
Advancing regulatory assessments for complex substances - Delina Lyon, Concawe
In this episode I speak with Delina Lyon, Science Executive for Environment at Concawe. Del and I dive deep into the regulatory assessment of complex substances. This issue still presents a wicked challenge for industry and regulators alike, and Concawe's work is right at the forefront of this. Our conversation covers:What is Concawe?Del's role at ConcaweEnvironmental assessment of petro
Addressing environmental challenges while improving human wellbeing - Jason Snape, University of York
In this episode I speak with Jason Snape. Jason is a Research Professor in sustainable healthcare and environmental sustainability at the University of York, and prior to that was Global Head of Environment at AstraZeneca. Our discussion covers:Jason's career journey to dateHis move into academia and future research goalsSustainable healthcare in developing economiesReflections on regulatory
Untangling sustainability in the apparel industry - Libby Sommer
In this episode I am joined by Libby Sommer, an independent consultant working on sustainability in the apparel industry. Libby and I discuss:Libby’s background and early careerHer work on sustainability and life cycle assessments in the apparel industryWorking with start-upsDrivers of innovationHow sustainability focus areas have evolved over the yearsThe environmental and human costs of textile
Why environmental persistence should be a top priority for safe and sustainable products
In this episode I share an article discussing the issue of environmental persistence, and why this is fast becoming a top priority that producers of chemical products need to address. I also share some insights on what has been happening since the article was published.Read the original article: Why environmental persistence should be a top priority for safe and sustainable products — Embark Chemi
Reflecting on 40 years of regulatory developments in Europe – Peter Fisk
In this episode I am joined by Peter Fisk, founder of Green Chemical Design Ltd, and formerly of Peter Fisk Associates (now Vitis Regulatory). Peter talks about his extensive career journey, and gives an honest appraisal of the evolution and current state of chemicals management in Europe. Our discussion covers a lot of ground, including:Peter's early career and interests as a scientistMaking
Battling misinformation and disseminating knowledge in the cosmetics sector - Jen Novakovic, The Eco Well
In this episode I am joined by Jen Novakovic from The Eco Well. Jen is as an influencer and podcaster in the cosmetics space. She focuses in particular on issues of science communication and misinformation. Our conversation covers:Jen's journey and work on science communication in the cosmetics sectorWhat is misinformation, and why is it a problem?The role of social media and human biasesThe
Championing bio-based and biodegradable products - Jen Vanderhoven, BBIA
In this episode I speak with Jen Vanderhoven, Chief Operating Officer of the Bio-based and Biodegradable Industry Association (BBIA) in the UK. The BBIA is in place to champion the industrial bioeconomy in the UK, and to reduce our reliance on fossil resources to create a sustainable circular economy. Jen has been making real waves in her role at the BBIA. We have a fascinating conversation coveri
Unlocking the potential of in silico toxicology - Paul Thomas, Kreatis
In this episode I am joined by Paul Thomas, founder of Kreatis, a company that specialises in developing in silico tools for predicting chemical properties and hazard endpoints. Join us for an interesting conversation covering: Paul’s early career and experiences with building a companyQuantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) models for predicting chemical propertiesThe role of QSARs fo
Tackling regulations and product safety in a bio-economy startup – Clare Walker, Holiferm
In this episode I am joined by Claire Walker, Head of Global Regulations and Product Safety at bio-economy startup Holiferm. We discuss Clare’s career journey and her role at Holiferm, where the process of fermentation is being harnessed to produce biosurfactants to replace fossil-derived ingredients across a wide range of products.We also discuss Clare’s work in mammalian toxicology and regulator
The story of chemicals in the environment
Welcome to the first episode of the Chemical Journeys podcast. The issue of chemicals in the environment is a story. A story that brings together both the natural and social sciences. A story about Earth, humanity, and individual journeys. Hear about scientific and policy developments around chemicals in the environment and their impact on the chemicals sector and society as a whole, and look to w
