News
Two WUR researchers awarded with SETAC award for contributions to ecotoxicological research
The Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) has honored Dr. Theo Brock with the Founders Award. Brock was appointed as a senior researcher at Wageningen Environmental Research until the end of 2019, and is now affiliated with the institute as a guest researcher. He received the award for his research into ecological risk assessment and his impact on environmental science. Dr Gertie Arts has also been honored with the Fellow award for her contribution to science and her leadership within SETAC.
The prestigious Founders Award is the highest award within SETAC. The prize is awarded annually to an individual whose career makes significant contributions to environmental science, to the scientific basis of the methodology for environmental risk assessment of chemicals, and the objectives of SETAC.
Awarded for an ecological approach to environmental risks
Dr. Theo Brock is recognized worldwide for his expertise in environmental chemistry, ecology and risk assessment. According to SETAC, he has “spent most of his career understanding the ecological effects of pesticides on aquatic systems and promoting an ecological approach to environmental risk assessment. He has actively promoted environmental research through his publications, conference presentations, training courses, supervision of young scientists and leadership of scientific societies.”
SETAC praises his ability to look beyond traditional boundaries to achieve important environmental protection goals. His contribution has resulted in various approaches to risk assessment, which are used, among other things, in guidelines from EFSA (European Food Safety Authority).
Fellow award
In addition, the organization has distinguished Dr. Gertie Arts with the Fellow award. As a senior ecologist and ecotoxicologist at Wageningen Environmental Research, Arts has been researching the risk assessment of organic substances, in particular aquatic ecology and ecological toxicology, for years. In 2015 she was president of SETAC Europe for a year. She was also president of the SETAC World Council in 2019 and Immediate past president in 2020. She has also chaired several SETAC committees on an EU and global scale. With the awarding of the Fellow award, SETAC distinguishes its contribution to science and its leadership within the organization.