Dana Kühnel

Dr. Dana Kühnel is a Research Fellow in the Department of Bioanalytical Ecotoxicology at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) in Leipzig, Germany. With over 15 years of experience since joining UFZ in 2009, she leads research on anthropogenic particles including engineered nanomaterials, microplastics, and combustion-derived particles. She also teaches in the Postgraduate Studies in Toxicology and Environmental Protection program at the University of Leipzig.

Her research focuses on ecotoxicological effects of anthropogenic particles, particularly examining organism-particle interactions, attachment/internalization mechanisms, and mixture effects with auxiliary chemicals. She has developed methodologies for assessing environmental safety of these materials and contributes significantly to science communication through the Knowledge Base Materials (www.nanoobjects.info) platform. Her work bridges laboratory research with practical risk assessment frameworks.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong trend toward microplastic research and science communication, with increasing focus on environmental policy implications, circular economy considerations, and quality criteria for nanoplastic hazard evaluation. Her work demonstrates interdisciplinary collaboration across chemistry, toxicology, environmental science, and social science perspectives.

Dr. Kühnel leads multiple significant research projects including PlasticsFatE (2021-2025), FaPlaN (2023-2026), and MANTRA (2024-2028), while previously contributing to numerous projects like NanoRigo, InnoMatLife, and DaNa4.0. These projects address critical gaps in nanomaterial and microplastic risk assessment, testing strategies, and safety data communication.

Her laboratory work utilizes advanced analytical techniques including LA-ICP-MS for elemental imaging, and she contributes to developing reference methods for hazard identification and risk assessment of engineered nanomaterials. She actively participates in international expert meetings including the OECD Horizontal Meeting on Eco-Toxicology and Environmental Fate of Nanomaterials.