The Centre for Environmental Research and Justice (CERJ) is the latest Council Member of The Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP).
12 March 2025
This partnership underscores a mutual dedication to combating pollution, enhancing public health, and promoting environmental justice globally.
GAHP is an is an international collaborative organization dedicated to improving global health by reducing death and illness caused by all forms of toxic pollution, including air, water, soil, and chemical wastes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. CERJ joins GAHP as one of only a handful of academic members amongst government and international agencies including the European Commission and United Nations Environment (UNEP), and NGOs such as Pure Earth and the Rainforest Alliance.
The Centre for Environmental Research and Justice will contribute to GAHP through developing practical solutions to environmental pollution through research and education on science-based governance interventions. Their mission is driven by a strong belief in justice, ensuring that communities affected by pollution have a voice and access to solutions. CERJ acknowledges that pollution disproportionately impacts disadvantaged communities.
> This partnership exemplifies the pioneering efforts of the Centre for Environmental Research and Justice (CERJ) in tackling environmental health disparities. In 2017, GAHP brought global attention to the severe impact of pollution on human health, especially in low-income communities. We are proud to partner with GAHP to ensure that our research and training programs directly support those who need them most.
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> Professor John Colbourne, Director of CERJ
CERJ leads in research aimed at improving chemical risk assessment and regulation. Their innovative work in Precision Toxicology is developing safer and faster methods to identify harmful chemicals without animal testing. As part of the EU-funded PrecisionTox project, CERJ collaborates with 15 institutions across Europe and North America to enhance chemical safety regulations.
CERJ is also a key player in the Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC), a major European initiative set to transform regulatory toxicology. Their efforts include phasing out animal testing for chemical safety in the UK, the US, and Europe.
In addition to regulatory advancements, CERJ is pioneering bio-based solutions to prevent toxic substances from entering the environment through wastewater discharge. They are also working on projects that offer solutions and policy recommendations for assessing and regulating environmental chemical mixtures, which represent real-world exposure conditions for people and wildlife yet are currently unregulated.
Beyond research, CERJ is applying its expertise in real-world settings. They are collaborating with GAHP to secure funding for pollution reduction initiatives in Madagascar, aiming to improve health outcomes for nearly 13 million people by addressing pollution challenges that threaten both human well-being and biodiversity.
CERJ is also dedicated to training the next generation of environmental advocates and policymakers. They offer the MSc Human and Environmental Toxicology with Law, an interdisciplinary master’s program designed to equip students with the skills needed to tackle pollution. This program integrates toxicology and environmental regulation, preparing graduates for careers in science, research, and policy — the first of its kind.
As a Council Member, CERJ will actively contribute to advancing GAHP’s mission. They plan to support the development of Health and Pollution Action Plans (HPAPs), focusing on securing funding from the UK, Europe, and North America to implement these strategies. Their research will help shape policies that address pollution-related health risks while working closely with GAHP to turn scientific findings into practical policies.
CERJ will also provide expert guidance by drawing insights from specialists across multiple fields at the University of Birmingham. Their involvement in GAHP’s leadership will bring valuable perspectives from environmental sciences, law, health, engineering, and social sciences. Additionally, CERJ will offer training programs to help professionals, students, and environmental advocates gain the skills needed to address pollution challenges worldwide.
By working together, GAHP and CERJ will strengthen efforts to reduce pollution and protect public health. This partnership aims to influence environmental policies at national and global levels, ensuring that solutions are backed by science and designed to create lasting change.
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