About us
A key aim of the Division is to integrate research into fundamental mechanisms of human toxicity with aspects of environmental and regulatory toxicology. A clear intent is to apply cutting edge analytical science and technology to environmental toxicology, and to provide opportunities for a thorough training in all aspects of the discipline. In this respect the Analytical and Environmental Sciences groups that make up the new Division complement, as well as provide support for each other.
Specific examples include improvements to aid detection of drug-facilitated sexual assaults and other vulnerable groups, such as children, the chemical profiling of fingerprints, including for drugs in their residues and use of nanoparticles for forensic purposes.
The Drug Control Centre (DCC) which is part of the Division is the only World Anti-Doping Agency accredited laboratory in the UK and it is playing a key role in the 2012 Olympics anti-doping screening program. The DCC is also accredited by the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) as a testing laboratory, in accordance with ISO 17025. The DCC was the first International Olympic Committee/WADA accredited laboratory to achieve this distinction.
Environmental Science activities within the Division focus on Air Quality research (monitoring, modelling and toxicology research) within the Environmental Research Group (ERG) and Toxicogenomic of soil dwelling-, model organisms. Both groups are part of the MRC-HPA Centre for Environmental Health.
Key goals are:
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to develop environmental exposure modelling science
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measurement and effect science
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biomarker science
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to contribute to a better understanding of exposure/response relationships
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to further the potential of exposure research to contribute to the development of evidence-based policies which will ultimately improve the quality of our lives