Henrik Holbech

Henrik Holbech is an Associate Professor in Ecotoxicology at the University of Southern Denmark's Department of Biology. With over 124 research outputs, his work focuses on developing OECD test guidelines for identifying endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) using fish and invertebrate models, particularly Danio rerio (zebrafish). He coordinates the EU Horizon 2020 ERGO project (€5.99M) and leads multiple Nordic Council-funded initiatives on mollusc endocrinology. As chair of the OECD Mollusc Expert Group and member of the ECHA Endocrine Disrupter Expert Group, he bridges human health and environmental toxicology through adverse outcome pathway (AOP) research.

Research Contributions:

• Developed and validated Fish Sexual Development Test (FSDT) protocols (OECD TG 230/210/229)
• Pioneered mollusc-based EDC testing for aquatic invertebrates
• Lead author of OECD validation reports
• Contributor to 40+ international technical meetings
• Created ELISA methods for vitellogenin detection in fish
• Investigated ballast water treatment technologies (UV/cavitation/ozonation)
• Explored thyroid hormone disruption mechanisms in aquatic species

Collaboration Network: Active in EU Tender projects with University of Heidelberg, University of Antwerp; Nordic Council partnerships (NordUTTE) with Norway/Sweden; Danish EPA collaborations (5.2 Mio DKK total). Key institutions: DHI Hoersholm, Fraunhofer, University of Antwerp.