Chemical Journeys

EXPLORE

Society & Culture

© 2024 PodJoint

https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts221/v4/a5/01/0e/a5010e5d-2242-001f-2057-169788e14b17/mza_16895093374202961601.jpg/600x600bb.jpg

Chemical Journeys

Chris Hughes

22 episodes

2 weeks ago

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 challenge - how to get access to key insights faster to understand and manage regulatory change.&...

Show more...

Society & Culture

All content for Chemical Journeys is the property of Chris Hughes and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

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 challenge - how to get access to key insights faster to understand and manage regulatory change.&...

Show more...

Society & Culture

Episodes (20/22)

Chemical Journeys

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 challenge - how to get access to key insights faster to understand and manage regulatory change.&...

2 weeks ago

55 minutes

Chemical Journeys

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 broader sustainability goals, the persistence of chemicals in the environment has become one of t...

1 month ago

1 hour 1 minute

Chemical Journeys

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 exciting work that Cefic-LRI does, and how this is helping to deliver progress in chemicals as...

2 months ago

40 minutes

Chemical Journeys

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 organisationsHow different sectors are at varying stages on the green chemistry journeyThe importance of la...

2 months ago

50 minutes

Chemical Journeys

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 perspective from regulatory professionals and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) working 'on t...

3 months ago

56 minutes

Chemical Journeys

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 the positions of Director of the Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) and Field Chief Editor of the academic journal Frontiers in AI, and was the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Peter Singer Prize. We h...

3 months ago

1 hour 16 minutes

Chemical Journeys

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, ECETOC is working across the full spectrum of chemical hazard and risk assessment topics, incl...

3 months ago

48 minutes

Chemical Journeys

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: Andrew's background and research interestsWhat's wrong with the way we do research on...

4 months ago

54 minutes

Chemical Journeys

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 - the importance of considering exposure in addressing chemical risksHow sustainability is changin...

4 months ago

53 minutes

Chemical Journeys

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. I also share some insights on what has been happening since the article was published. Read the original article: How should we expect the new hazards under EU CLP to play out in practice? — Embark Chemical Consulting Events I attended in May: SETAC Europe 35th Annual Meeting Designing for Circularity in Biodegradable Chemicals and...

5 months ago

23 minutes

Chemical Journeys

Investigating the fate of chemicals in the environment – Gabriel Sigmund, Wageningen University & Research

On this episode 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) substancesComplex interactions controlling sorption and other fate processes in soilThe ongo...

6 months ago

1 hour 11 minutes

Chemical Journeys

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 application of scientific knowledge. We discussed some of the pressing issues and challenges...

7 months ago

1 hour 3 minutes

Chemical Journeys

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 petroleum substances under REACHDel's early career and switch from academia to industryReflections ...

7 months ago

1 hour 15 minutes

Chemical Journeys

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 persistence assessmentsData as the goal vs deriving knowledge from that dataEnvironmental safety...

8 months ago

1 hour 35 minutes

Chemical Journeys

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 wasteBiodegradation and recycling of textilesReducing and mitigating environmental emissio...

8 months ago

1 hour 4 minutes

Chemical Journeys

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 Chemical Consulting On the latest developments: ECHA guidance on the new CLP hazards: Guidance on t...

8 months ago

15 minutes

Chemical Journeys

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 the switch to consultancy and starting a businessThe advent of the REACH regulation and ...

9 months ago

1 hour 22 minutes

Chemical Journeys

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 need for effective science communication Misinformation on UV filters, coral bleaching and...

9 months ago

1 hour 12 minutes

Chemical Journeys

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 covering: What is the bio-economy? Why is it needed?The history of the BBIA, Jen’s role, and the ...

9 months ago

51 minutes

Chemical Journeys

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 for reducing animal testingThe role of QSARs in the new approach methodologies (NAMs) ...

10 months ago

1 hour 27 minutes