Utrecht University has appointed Anne Kienhuis, senior researcher at RIVM, as Professor of Toxicology in Transition effective June 1, 2025. Through this chair, Kienhuis contributes to various developments in toxicology, including the transition to animal-free innovations. The goal of her chair is to reliably assess the safety of chemical substances and medicines without using laboratory animals.
Kienhuis: “I find it fantastic that I can fulfill this role and thus reinforce the long-standing collaboration between RIVM and the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS, Utrecht University) on this subject. From RIVM, I bring my experience of transdisciplinary work at the intersection of science and policy. The chair makes it possible to add even more perspectives from various scientific disciplines. Additionally, we will train a new generation of professionals through the guidance of PhD candidates and students.”
Focus of the Chair
The focus of the chair is not only on the technological development of new methods but also on increasing trust and acceptance among all stakeholders. As a professor, Kienhuis will collaborate with various disciplines and sectors, such as scientists, regulatory bodies, industry, and society as a whole. Through this chair, she contributes to the actual acceptance and application of new methods in toxicology and the broad acceptance of stakeholders necessary to achieve that.
Read more about Kienhuiss appointment on the website of the Utrecht University (external link).