Rolf Altenburger

Prof. Dr. Rolf Altenburger is a Professor at RWTH Aachen University's Institute for Environmental Research and Head of Evaluation at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) in Leipzig. He leads the Research Unit ‘Chemicals in the Environment’ and previously served as UFZ's Scientific Director (2022–2024). His work focuses on ecotoxicology, sustainable chemical use, and mixture toxicity, particularly in aquatic environments. Altenburger specializes in effect-based methods for pollution assessment, mode-of-action analysis, and the integration of transcriptomics and metabolomics in toxicity studies. He has contributed to policy initiatives like the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability and the international panel on chemical pollution (IPCP), advocating for global science-policy frameworks. His research addresses real-world pollutant mixtures, wastewater treatment impacts, and the ecological consequences of microplastics and pharmaceuticals. Altenburger has held leadership roles in major projects such as the EU-funded SOLUTIONS initiative, advancing water quality monitoring and risk assessment methodologies.

• Roles: Professor (RWTH Aachen), Head of Evaluation (UFZ), Former Scientific Director (UFZ)
• Key Projects: SOLUTIONS, IPCP, Ecotoxicology test battery development
• Policy Contributions: EU Water Framework Directive reforms, chemical mixture risk assessment

His research integrates environmental chemistry, toxicology, and systems biology to address complex pollution challenges. He emphasizes translational science, bridging laboratory findings with policy applications for sustainable environmental management.