At CEC, we study the cycle of chemical substances and how they end up in and affects the environment. We identify substance emissions, their occurrence, potential transformations, as well as their distribution in society and nature. We also investigate the biological effects of these substances on humans and organisms in nature. Our focus areas include identifying effects from waste products, pesticides/herbicides, heavy metals, soot/aerosols, leaching of nutrients, eutrophication, micro/nanoplastics, and so-called "forever chemicals" such as PCBs and PFAS.

Our research also focuses on governance processes, regulation, and enforcement concerning chemical use (such as responsibility for environmental crimes), decision-making, and the use of scientific evidence in decision-making.

Our methods range from ecotoxicology, from the molecular level to the landscape level, to assessments of scientific evidence within governance processes. The breadth of our research is made possible through close collaboration between biologists, epidemiologists, chemists, physicists, engineers, social scientists, and political scientists. We also educate students, doctoral candidates, and professionals while contributing to compiling knowledge for advisory and regulatory bodies in Sweden and the EU.

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