CERJ researchers joined UK PARC Science Day to share work, build collaborations and help shape next‑gen chemical risk assessment and future safety policy.
Academics, researchers and students from the University of Birmingham’s Centre for Environmental Research and Justice (CERJ) attended the UK Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC) Science Day 2025 – an event that brings together PARC-funded scientists, regulators and policymakers to improve how chemical risks are assessed and managed.
The conference was more than a chance to share research. It gave participants the opportunity to learn, connect, strengthen collaborations and influence how cutting-edge science shapes future policy on chemical safety.
The aim of PARC is to develop next-generation chemical risk assessment to protect human health and the environment, involving around 200 organisations from 28 countries.
Its mission is clear: advance research, share knowledge and improve skills in chemical risk assessment. By doing so, PARC supports the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability and the European Green Deal’s “zero pollution” ambition. The partnership aims to:
The UK PARC Science Day brings together national champions leading this work, including policy makers and regulators such as the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Researchers gained a clearer understanding of regulatory priorities and how their work can meet these needs.
Dr Jiarui (Albert) Zhou noted that new data platforms introduced at the conference will provide high-quality information for AI applications in environmental research.
Dr Jiarui (Albert) Zhou
Early-career researchers also learned how their projects fit into the bigger picture.
PhD student Molly Cooper said the event helped her see how her research could make a meaningful contribution to setting exposure limits for potentially toxic chemicals. Discussions highlighted the importance of sharing findings in ways that policymakers can use.
Dr Niamh Eastwood explained that while publishing in journals is vital, short, accessible briefings are often more useful for decision-makers – an invaluable lesson given the participation of regulatory agencies in PARC.
The university’s six-student CERJ-PARC postgraduate cohort showcased their expertise through poster presentations and discussions. They built valuable connections with regulators and policymakers, which could lead to their research being used in reviews of current practice and towards future regulatory chemical safety assessment approaches. Attendees also strengthened networks with other early-career researchers across the UK, creating a collaborative community that will last beyond the life of PARC.
The university’s six-student CERJ-PARC postgraduate cohort
This type of meeting can build a legacy where UK chemicals researchers, risk assessors and regulators work together beyond the life of PARC.
The University of Birmingham’s involvement in PARC reflects its commitment to bridging the gap between academic research and solutions to real-world problems. By learning what regulators need, sharing results in accessible ways and building strong partnerships, CERJ researchers are helping to create safer chemical management and a healthier environment. This work supports the University’s sustainability strategy and its ambition to deliver research with real-world impact.
Assistant Professor in Environmental Bioinformatics
Dr Zhou is an Assistant Professor in Environmental Bioinformatics at the School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham.
Postdoctoral Research Associate
niamh eastwood research associate environmental changes, chemical pollution environmental ecological trends DNA conservation policy University of Birmingham
Associate Professor
Dr Scott Glaberman integrates evolution, physiology, and molecular biology to investigate how organisms respond to environmental stressors
