The work group researches effect-related ecotoxicology with a strong focus on biotest development and optimisation. Our main research topic are polluted soils and sediments with the aim to contribute to a reliable risk assessment. Since 2010 the group works on passive sampling and passive dosing approaches. Here we aim to integrate both concepts in an experimental strategy that also allows for high sample throughput.
We are active in increasing the perception of environmental sciences by the general public. This means to work on tailor-made concepts for science communication, to push the discussion about deficits and future chances at conferences as well as through journal articles, and to run modern public relations.
Monday, August 19, 2013
Career logo design
During the years I happened to design several logos. All started with the one for the EULIMNOS project and since then I took every opportunity to create more. Here's a gallery of my works. :-)
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| EULIMNOS project |
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| SETAC Europe Student Advisory Council |
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| Work group logo (yet unofficial) |
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| Students Lab Fascinating Environment |
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| Illustration for "Erfahrungsbasierte Forscherwerdung" in unigestalten http://www.unigestalten.de/component/unigestalten/item/142.html |
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| Tox-Box joint research project |
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| Joint DFG Project PASSEDOble |
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| Project proposal COMPASS |
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| BioEDando internal workshop |
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| W3-Hydro joint research project |
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| Project proposal Hyprotox |
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| Project proposal biobaSE |
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| Softskill course "Students going scientific" |
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| Students Lab in-house exhibition "Biological Advent" |
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| Proposed logo for project TEPHA |
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| Proposed logo for project DEMO3 AC |
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| SETAC Advisory Group on science and risk communication |
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| Project proposal BioEffecTools |
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| Project proposal IDEFIX |
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| EU H2020 project GRACE |
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| Project proposal PROgRESS |
Dioxin-like activity of passive sampler extracts
Recently we did a very nice collaboration work with Dr. Emmanuel Emelogu of Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen in the framework of his PhD thesis. He sampled freely dissolved concentrations of hydrophobic organic contaminants in Scottish estuaries and tested the extracts at our labs using a specifically adapted RTL-W1 EROD assay in 24-well plates. Comparison of the biological activity with the chemical analysis data revealed that the majority of effect could not be attributed to the detected pollutants. Find the full article here.
Paper series on science and risk communication
Earlier this year I started a paper series on science and risk communication as an editor in Environmental Sciences Europe. The series will publish a wealth of articles on a broad range of different cases of communication in environmental sciences. It is meant to facilitate the discussion about science and risk communication we initiated with a session at the SETAC World Congress 2012 in Berlin.
Six to eight contributions are confirmed and three of them were already submitted or published. However, the call for papers is still open. Whoever wants to add a manuscript should contact me by email. The up-to-date content of the series including the editorial with additional information is accessible here.
Science communication brought forward
At the SETAC Europe annual meeting 2013 in Glasgow we organised the session "Bridging the Gap between Risk Perception and Ecotoxicology Research―How Can We Communicate to Improve Our Outreach?" on science and risk communication in environmental sciences. It was a follow-up to our much acclaimed initial session "Escape from the Ivory Tower - Environmental sciences should impact public and policy" at the SETAC World Congress 2012 in Berlin. The Glasgow session featured a final panel discussion and received strong attention by the SETAC community. It can be considered a major success on our mission to establish communication topics at SETAC conferences. Find a post-meeting report in SETAC Globe here.
Next step will be a special session at the SETAC Europe annual meeting 2014 in Basel. It will combine practical experience with theoretical background for science and risk communication and will also include the views from different geographical regions. We just submitted the session proposal to SETAC Europe.
New tools for Effect-directed analysis of emerging pollutants
Since October 2011 we are part of the FP7-funded Marie Curie Initial Training Network "EDA EMERGE - Novel Tools in Effect-Directed Analysis to Support the Identification and Monitoring of Emerging Toxicants on a European Scale". Our Early Stage Researcher (ESR) Carolina Di Paolo works on "Mechanism-specific screening tools in early life stages of Danio rerio". She combines mechanism-specific cell assays with test systems based on the zebrafish. At the department we run a battery of endpoint-related Danio assays.
To know more check out the web contents here and here.
To know more check out the web contents here and here.
Research for a harmonized test strategy for drinking water
The project is designed to enhance the existing Health-Related Indicator Value (HRIV) concept (German: GOW-Konzept - Gesundheitlicher Orientierungswert) through development and prioritisation of additional endpoint-related testing strategies.
Our sub project "Analysis of endocrine effects: Changes in steroidogenesis and reproduction toxicity" (SP 12) aims at establishment of endocrine disrupting potential of drinking water contaminants.
Seek more information here and here (latter one is German only).
I also had the pleasure to design the Tox-Box logo.
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Research philosophy
I consider my work dedicated to environmental health by means of quality science, while understanding scientific quality as a broad topic.
Firstly, beside the aim to design and conduct reliable experiments within our investigations the group also critically scrutinises established methods against the state-of-the-art within ecotoxicology and optimises such protocols if deemed necessary. We develop as well as validate novel test systems and techniques to ensure latest knowledge as the basis for ecotoxicological research.
Secondly, we put much effort into educating students to become highly-skilled scientists. Our teaching helps students to evolve into autonomous researchers already at an early stage, and several of our courses impart essential soft skills.
Thirdly, we aim to bring our findings to the public in an understandable way, in order to raise awareness for ecotoxicological issues. Here, we also think about new, efficient ways for communication and train our students in public relations.
Firstly, beside the aim to design and conduct reliable experiments within our investigations the group also critically scrutinises established methods against the state-of-the-art within ecotoxicology and optimises such protocols if deemed necessary. We develop as well as validate novel test systems and techniques to ensure latest knowledge as the basis for ecotoxicological research.
Secondly, we put much effort into educating students to become highly-skilled scientists. Our teaching helps students to evolve into autonomous researchers already at an early stage, and several of our courses impart essential soft skills.
Thirdly, we aim to bring our findings to the public in an understandable way, in order to raise awareness for ecotoxicological issues. Here, we also think about new, efficient ways for communication and train our students in public relations.
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