Ksenia Groh’s group works to advance the use of omics in ecotoxicology, with a particular focus on proteomics [KG1] and how it can be applied to understand molecular mechanisms of toxicity, enhance the existing test approaches, or develop new ones.

The second research area deals with assessment of plastic chemicals, polymers, and materials, through performing both the desk-based research seeking to reveal chemical identities, use and hazard profiles, and the wet-lab studies aiming to implement bioassay-based strategies for evaluating safety of complex materials and for guiding SSbD material innovation at early development stages.

Alongside the empirical research, Ksenia Groh and her group are deeply committed to help transfer research findings into practice and inform science-policy dialogue on chemicals. Ksenia sees this as an important part of her professional mission as an independent researcher in environmental sciences, bearing a societal responsibility to uphold environmental protection against chemical threats. She specifically aims to enable faster consideration of novel scientific findings in decision-making on chemical management and biodiversity protection, which she pursues by leading or contributing to knowledge synthesis initiatives and by working with relevant stakeholder organizations and communities of practice.

Research activities of the Bioanalytics group are embedded within several strategic areas pursued by the Eawag and ETH domain, as they address the complex interplay between climate change, biodiversity loss, and chemical pollution—the intertwined components of the triple planetary crisis, and work to advance innovation for safer materials to enable efficient transition to circular economy. Strengthening stakeholder interactions and intensifying the exchange between science, policy and practice is also part of Eawag’s mission and development plan for the coming years.

Ksenia feels very fortunate to be part of the inspiring and supportive, but also challenging and demanding, community at Utox, Eawag and ETH Zürich. She is also deeply grateful to all colleagues, collaborators, mentors, and friends, who have guided, supported, and believed in her along the way. Thank you all, and happy to continue the journey of learning and discovery together!