Chemical Journeys

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 about the fate and persistence of chemicals in recent years, and the work of Kathrin and her group has been at the heart of this. Listen to the episode to find out about biodegradation of chemicals in different environmental settings, what factors contribute to persistence, understanding transformation products and pathways, predicting biodegradation for different chemicals and scenarios, and how we can utilise this knowledge toward safer and more sustainable use of chemicals. Works cited:Innovate beyond PFAS | ScienceDesigning Small Molecules for Biodegradability | Chemical ReviewsBridging across OECD 308 and 309 Data in Search of a Robust Biotransformation Indicator | Environmental Science & TechnologyDeveloping a weight-of-evidence methodology for persistence assessment of substances in the environment | Integrated Environmental Assessment and ManagementBreaking it down: Unveiling the roles of chemical structure, concentrations and technology on micropollutant biotransformation in wastewater treatment plants - ScienceDirectHigh-Throughput Miniaturized Biotransformation Testing Using Activated Sludge Enables Rapid Chemical Persistence Assessment | Environmental Science & Technology LettersRead-Across of Biotransformation Potential between Activated Sludge and the Terrestrial Environment: Toward Making It Practical and Plausible | Environmental Science & TechnologyModernizing persistence–bioaccumulation–toxicity (PBT) assessment with high throughput animal-free methods | Archives of Toxicology | Springer Nature LinkDo biotransformation data from laboratory experiments reflect micropollutant degradation in a large river basin? - ScienceDirectEawag-Soil in enviPath: a new resource for exploring regulatory pesticide soil biodegradation pathways and half-life data - Environmental Science: Processes & ImpactsFAIR and Effective Communication of Data on Chemical Contaminant Biotransformation in the Environment | Environmental Science & Technology LettersConfidently uncertain: Probabilistic machine learning to predict soil biotransformation half-lives | ChemRxivPredicting Micropollutant Removal in Wastewater Treatment Based on Molecular Structure: Benchmark Data and Models | Environmental Science & TechnologyDiscover enviPath.orgSupport the show

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 Association (BBIA) on how to effectively communicate information about sustainability to consumers. We also delve into our complex relationship with nature, and how this is influenced by language.Our conversation then moves onto chemicals. We do a deep dive into the language surrounding chemicals in modern discourse, and how this influences public perception and emerging policy. We talk about the issue of chemicals in the environment, how this relates to us, and how we might get better at talking - and thinking - about these issues.I hope you will find this discussion as fascinating as I did!Plastic: Unwrapped podcast - Plastic Planet | The University of Sheffield PlayerHuman/Nature podcast | The University of Sheffield PlayerWhite paper: Growing the UK’s Modern Industrial BioeconomyEffective Communication to Advance the Modern Industrial Bioeconomy - reportJust Earth: How a Fairer World Will Save the Planet - Tony JuniperVanished: An Unnatural History of Extinction - Sadiah QureshiEcolinguistics: Language, Ecology and the Stories We Live By – Arran StibbeSupport the show

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 sectors, the importance of staying open for continuous growth and learning, and the value of mentorship and support along the way. Fola also shares some of his personal experiences of relocating to multiple cities, finding friends and community, and his adventures as a DJ. We talk about Fola's journey with the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC), and that part that the organisation has played in his development. Fola also reflects on his Christian Faith and how this shapes his outlook and approach to life.Fola Ogungbemi, PhD | LinkedInDJ with a PhD (@djfolaflo) • Instagram photos and videosSETAC Europe 36th Annual MeetingSupport the show

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 diagnosis for the current situation and outlook for the years ahead.  This includes:Watze’s background, career journey and people he worked withThe tension between the uncertainty and complexity of science vs the need for clear and predictable regulationThe importance of communication and meeting your audience where they areContrasting sensitivities and drivers of behaviour in different industriesThe shift away from risk-based approaches, and the rise of persistenceThe importance of dialogue and the value of organisations like the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC)Understanding EU regulations as complex systems Experiences with REACH dossiers, from both industry and regulator perspectivesWhat it’s like for early career scientists at ECHADiscussions and experiences from the ECHA Member State CommitteeThoughts on the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR)What a new harmonised classification of ethanol means for its ongoing use as a disinfectantThe essential use concept and how it could re-define chemicals management in EuropeImportance of EU Member State participation, and the impact of Brexit on regulatory discussionsRegrettable restrictions and thoughts on the ongoing group-wide restriction of PFASThoughts on the overall direction of travel, broader technological and societal shifts, and the impact on science Watze's website: rMSC.fi – rMSCMember State Committee - ECHATrifluoroacetic Acid in the Environment: Consensus, Gaps, and Next Steps | Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry | Oxford AcademicPersistence Science Interest Group Pushes Forward with Global Collaboration and New InitiativesLiterature review on micro‐ and nanoplastic release from food contact materials during their use | EFSAReflecting on 40 years of regulatory developments in Europe – Peter Fisk — Embark Chemical ConsultingVisit my website for more content and insights www.embarkchemical.comSupport the show

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. Listen to this conversation if you want to get a look into the world of startups and software as a solution (SaaS) from a chemical regulatory point of view. We also talk about aspects of building and growing a business, and some reflections on life as founders and keeping everything in balance. Our conversation covers:Steven's background and career journeyThe story behind Foresight - identifying an industry need, and developing a solutionFeatures of Foresight - how the tool delivers advanced regulatory insightsApplications and limitations of AI in chemicals regulationREACH Article 129 - Member State safeguard clauseWhat kinds of customers are using Foresight?What process and considerations go into developing new features?Building the company - from startup to commercialisationThe customer buyer journeySteven's work as a co-opted member of the ECHA Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC)Steven and Chris swap stories about life as foundersFollow the link to find out more about Foresight and start your free trial: Foresight | The future of chemical policy monitoringVisit my website for more content and insights www.embarkchemical.comSupport the show