Research Trends in Toxicology

Building on fundamental toxicological principles, this course focuses on mechanistic toxicology and New Approach Methodologies (NAMs)—state-of-the-art tools that enhance chemical safety assessments, reduce reliance on animal testing, and improve our ability to predict toxic effects. Throughout the course, we will explore topics such as toxicogenomics, epigenetics, modern omics techniques, high-throughput screening, computational toxicology, advanced stem cell-based models, and the application of Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOP) as a mechanistic framework that links molecular and cellular events to adverse health and environmental effects.
A key highlight of this course is its emphasis on the exposome, a concept that considers the totality of environmental exposures over a lifetime and their interactions with biological systems. Understanding the exposome provides deeper insights into chemical mixtures, emerging contaminants, and gene-environment interactions, helping us tackle pressing challenges in environmental and human health.
What You Will Gain:
🔬 Exposure to modern experimental techniques through lectures and demonstrations
📊 Critical evaluation skills through peer-reviewed literature, journal clubs, and discussions
💡 Insight into how toxicologists address real-world health and environmental challenges
🌍 Ethical perspectives, including the 3R principles (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) in research
📝 The opportunity to develop and present your own innovative, hypothesis-driven research proposal
Whether you are considering a career in toxicology, environmental science, drug safety and development, regulatory affairs, or biomedical research, this course will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and mindset of a modern toxicologist.
Join us and be part of the next generation driving advancements in chemical safety, risk assessment, and environmental health!
Teaching Format
Course includes lectures, quizzes and case studies, workshop exercises, presentations and discussions.
Assessment
Assessment takes place through ongoing examinations, seminars and written and oral presentation of project work in the form of a research application.
Rights and responsibilities
Your rights and responsibilities as a student
Examiner
Oskar Karlsson, Oskar.Karlsson@aces.su.se
Study counsellors
Course coordinator
Oskar Karlsson, Oskar.Karlsson@aces.su.se
Department of Environmental Science, Unit of Exposure & Effects





