Leiden University has appointed Mirjam Luijten, toxicologist at RIVM, as professor by special appointment at the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR) with effect from 1 July 2025. In her new role as Professor of Human-Relevant Risk Assessment of Chemical Substances, she will focus on developing innovative approaches to evaluating the safety of chemicals. Her goal is to create a scientifically sound method that is also accepted by regulatory bodies.
The central theme of the chair is what’s known as ‘next-generation risk assessment’. This approach aims to assess the safety of chemical substances for humans using a combination of modern testing methods – from computer models to lab-based (in vitro) tests. The focus of this chair is on so-called non-genotoxic carcinogens – substances that may cause cancer through mechanisms other than direct DNA damage. Currently, long-term animal testing is the only way to identify these substances. Luijten will develop new testing strategies comprising combinations of methods that are relevant to humans. These strategies are intended to be used in the approval process for chemical substances in products such as cosmetics, pesticides and pharmaceuticals.
Accelerate the development
Mirjam Luijten: ‘By working closely with researchers, policymakers and industry, we can accelerate the development of next-generation risk assessment. That way, we’re contributing to a future in which we can reliably predict the cancer-causing effects of chemicals in humans – without using animal testing.’
Expansion partnership RIVM and LACDR
Through this collaboration RIVM gains access to the cutting-edge testing methods that LACDR is developing in the field of toxicology. For LACDR and Leiden University the collaboration brings in more knowledge about regulatory processes for chemical substances, and offers valuable opportunities to translate fundamental research into practical tools for policy.
LACDR and RIVM are already working closely together on the European projects RISK-HUNT3R and PARC. Both focus on next-generation risk assessment, and in both projects Luijten plays a leading role. Luijten herself is excited to get started in Leiden. ‘I get a lot of energy from this. In addition to research, I’m also passionate about teaching and helping train the next generation of professionals. I’m really looking forward to that too.’