In today's interconnected world, environmental contaminants stemming from industrial processes and human activities are transported globally, surpassing critical thresholds that delineate the boundaries for sustainable existence, also known as "planetary boundaries." The ramifications of pollution are stark.

This burden disproportionately afflicts low and middle-income nations, where one in four individuals falls victim to pollution-related illness. Even in developed economies, pollution imposes burden on public health systems, being the primary cause of respiratory diseases, autoimmune disorders, and cancer.

Additionally, the adverse effects of pollution extend beyond human health. Water, air, and soil degradation are rampant, compounded by the interplay of pollution, climate change, and land use practices, leading to a staggering loss of biodiversity. Since 1970, an average of 69% of biodiversity has been eroded due to pollution and environmental change.

To address this crisis, the University of Birmingham has launched the Centre for Environmental Research and Justice (CERJ). CERJ aims to address the impact of pollution on the environment and humans, leveraging the synergies between various scientific disciplines and innovative methodologies to monitor, assess, and provide solutions to environmental pollution. By bridging life sciences, medical, and environmental science, law, and governance, CERJ has pioneered groundbreaking approaches to evaluate chemical pollution risks and advocate for the fundamental right to a healthy environment.

Our collaborative efforts have the support of an extensive array of stakeholders, ranging from regulatory agencies and industries to consultancies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Motivated by our mission and the momentum that our efforts are gaining, we are embarking on a recruitment drive to broaden our horizons, incorporating a socio-economic perspective and sustainable interventions aimed at enhancing both environmental and human health.