Mirjam Luijten, toxicologist at RIVM, has been appointed as an extraordinary professor at LACDR (Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research) of Leiden University as of July 1. With her chair in Human-Relevant Risk Assessment of Chemical Substances, she focuses on an innovative approach to risk assessment. Luijten aims to develop a scientifically based approach that is accepted in regulation.
The main theme of the chair is ‘next-generation risk assessment’. This is an innovative way to assess the safety of chemical substances for humans. Combinations of various testing methods are used, ranging from computer models to in vitro testing. The chair emphasizes non-genotoxic carcinogens, which are substances that can cause cancer through means other than direct DNA- Deoxyribonucleic acid (Deoxyribonucleic acid) damage. Currently, a long-term animal test is the only way to identify these substances. Luijten is developing new testing strategies that consist of combinations of testing methods relevant to humans. Her chair also focuses on promoting the acceptance of these new testing strategies by regulators. This way, they can ultimately be applied in the approval of chemical substances in cosmetics, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals.
Accelerating Development
Luijten: “By collaborating with researchers, policymakers, and companies, we can accelerate the development of next-generation risk assessment. This contributes to a future where we can reliably predict the carcinogenic effects of chemical substances for humans without animal testing.”
Expanding Collaboration between RIVM and LACDR
For RIVM, this collaboration means it gains access to the innovative testing methods of LACDR in the field of toxicology. And LACDR gains more knowledge about the risk assessment of chemical substances, providing good opportunities to make innovative testing methods applicable for regulation and policy.
Currently, RIVM and LACDR are already working closely together, as in the European projects RISK-HUNT3R and PARC. Both projects focus on next-generation risk assessment. In both projects, Mirjam Luijten plays a leading role. Luijten is excited to start working in Leiden. “I get a lot of energy from it. Besides doing research, my heart is also in training the next generation of professionals. I am really looking forward to that.”