Prof. Majorie van Duursen is a Full Professor in Environmental Health & Toxicology at the Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam), and is affiliated with the Amsterdam Institute for Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS). She is a dedicated toxicologist focused on improving the health of mothers and children through scientific research and education, with particular emphasis on understanding environmental contaminants' risks to children's health globally. Education PhD in Toxicology from Universiteit Utrecht (2005), dissertation: "Estrogen metabolizing enzymes – Biomarkers of exposure, effect and susceptibility for carcinogenesis" Master in Biology from Universiteit Utrecht (2000) Research Focus Prof. van Duursen's work investigates the effects of potential toxicants on female health and the developing child, with special attention to endocrine disruptors. She strives to translate scientific findings into practical policy recommendations to encourage healthy living from an early age. Her research spans from basic in vitro studies on receptor activity and steroidogenesis to applied research on regulatory frameworks. Her specific research areas include: Endocrine disruption and its impact on female reproduction Developmental origins of health and disease Steroidogenesis and hormone metabolism Toxicological impact of micro- and nanoplastics Thyroid hormone transport and regulation Adverse outcome pathways for endocrine disruptors Research Trends Prof. van Duursen's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on endocrine disruptors, particularly examining their mechanisms of action and regulatory implications. Her work spans from basic in vitro studies on receptor activity and steroidogenesis to applied research on regulatory frameworks. A significant portion of her current research is dedicated to the EU-funded FREIA project, which aims to develop evidence-based approaches for identifying endocrine disruptors that affect female reproduction. Her research increasingly addresses emerging contaminants like microplastics and PFAS, examining their potential endocrine-disrupting properties. Scientific Recognition Coordinator of the EU-funded FREIA project on female reproductive toxicity of endocrine disrupting chemicals Principal Investigator for developing adverse outcome pathways for endocrine disruptors Independent expert for the Endocrine Disruption Expert Group at the European Chemicals Agency Member of multiple committees at the Health Council of the Netherlands Active participant in EUROTOX Congress and other major toxicology conferences Advising and Grants Prof. van Duursen has supervised PhD theses and leads multiple significant research projects. She coordinates the EU-funded FREIA project (2019-2024) and serves as Principal Investigator for developing adverse outcome pathways for endocrine disruptors (2022-2025). Her research is supported by both national and international (EU-funded) grants, reflecting the importance and impact of her work in the field of toxicology and environmental health. She has been involved in many national and international projects on the toxicological impact of endocrine disruptors. Labs and Research Teams Prof. van Duursen leads research teams focused on endocrine disruption and reproductive toxicology. Her current projects involve collaborations with researchers including Asimaki K., Vazakidou P., Bouftas N., Cenijn P., van Boxel J., and others. She is actively involved in building networks for toxicological research, both within VU Amsterdam and through international collaborations. Her research group investigates the effects of environmental contaminants on female health and the developing child, with particular attention to avoiding unnecessary harm to animals in their research approaches.
