Strong International Interest in an Online Course in the Assessment of Chemicals
Due to a strong international interest in the open online course on assessment and management of chemicals, the training is being launched a second time in April. The training was developed at the Department of Environmental Science and has so far been completed by participants from almost 60 countries.
In 2022, the Department of Environmental Science at Stockholm University launched an online introductory course in the assessment of chemicals and strategies to reduce risks. The teachers on the course were researchers and PhD students at the Department of Environmental Science. The course also included expert interviews with, among others, people from the World Health Organization, the Swedish Chemicals Agency and the European Food Safety Authority.
Strong international interest
Currently, almost 300 people have passed the open web-based course, which goes by the name “Introduction to assessment and management of chemicals”. The participants come from almost 60 countries.
"It's fantastic to see the global interest. In total, students from five continents have participated", says Marlene Ågerstrand, Assistant Professor at the Department of Environmental Science and initiator of the education.
Due to strong international interest, the course will also be given a second time.
"This time, we will introduce more interaction between teachers and students, and between students. This was requested in the course evaluation and we think it will create engagement, promote discussion and build networks. Cooperation across national borders and between areas of expertise is the key to solving many of the problems we face today", says Marlene Ågerstrand.
"Example of how Stockholm University contributes to sustainable development"
Effects from chemical pollution have been identified by the UN, together with the climate issue and the loss of biodiversity, as the three major challenges for our future here on earth. The challenges are greatest for low-income countries, which account for an increasing share of the production of chemicals and waste management – while the legislation is not sufficient to protect human health and the environment.
"As I see it, the course is a good example of how Stockholm University contributes to sustainable development, but also proof of our broad collaboration, and of course, the relevance and quality of our educations", says Marlene Ågerstrand.
More about the course on the Department of Environmental Sciences website »
Last updated: February 27, 2023
Source: Communications Office