Christoph van Thriel

Prof. Dr. Christoph van Thriel serves as Head of the Neurotoxicology and Chemosensory Research Group at the Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), affiliated with TU Dortmund University. His research program investigates the complex interactions between chemical exposures and neurological function, with particular focus on sensory processing, neurocognitive effects, and individual differences in toxic responses.

Dr. van Thriel completed his doctorate in Natural Sciences from Ruhr University Bochum in 1999. His academic trajectory includes progression from research associate in the 'Toluene Project' (1996-1999), to post-doctoral work (1999-2003), leadership of a junior research group 'Neurological Behavioral Toxicology' (2003-2011), and ultimately heading the Neurotoxicology and Chemosensory Research Group since 2011. He completed his habilitation in 2011, solidifying his academic credentials.

His research spans physiological and psychological mechanisms of chemical-nervous system interactions, neurocognitive functions, chemosensory perceptions, sensory neurotoxicology, and interindividual differences in toxic responses. He employs both in vitro and human subject approaches to understand how environmental chemicals affect neurological function, with particular attention to real-world exposure scenarios.

Analysis of his recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong interdisciplinary focus bridging toxicology, neuroscience, and environmental health. His work examines how chemical exposures affect cognitive function, olfactory processing, and neural responses across multiple domains including occupational settings, environmental exposures, and complex mixtures. Key themes include multisensory integration in odor perception, effects of metals exposure on sensory function, neurocognitive impacts of environmental chemicals, and methodological advances in toxicological assessment.

His research group maintains active collaborations with international institutions and contributes significantly to both fundamental understanding and applied aspects of neurotoxicology. Current projects investigate topics ranging from odor-visual interactions to the neurological effects of dietary patterns and environmental contaminants, demonstrating the breadth and relevance of his scientific program.