Sicco Brandsma

Dr. Sicco Brandsma is an Associate Professor at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, affiliated with the Faculty of Science and the Chemistry for Environment & Health department. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to environmental protection and human health. He teaches courses on Analytical and Environmental Chemistry, Plastic and Chemical Pollution, and Project Sustainable Ecosystems.

Brandsma’s research focuses on pollutant behavior, including flame retardants, plastic additives, and microplastics. He explores their environmental fate, human exposure pathways, and toxicological impacts. Key projects include leachate effects on marine organisms, microplastic quantification in human blood, and biotransformation of chlorinated paraffins.

His work has been covered in media for breakthroughs like detecting GenX chemicals near industrial sites and quantifying microplastics in human blood. He collaborates globally on environmental policy and circular economy challenges, advocating for safer materials in consumer products.

Brandsma’s lab uses advanced techniques like pyrolysis-GC-MS and non-target screening to analyze pollutants. He organizes conferences like the Symposium E&H 2019 and presents at international forums on topics like toxic additives in insulation materials.