KWR highlights water quality research at the Annual Dutch Toxicology meeting (NVT 2026)

This year’s conference theme, “Toxicology at every scale: from molecules to ecosystems,” closely aligns with our commitment to translate toxicological research into practical solutions for water safety. Keynote sessions highlighted that human biomonitoring (HBM) is increasingly applied for assessing real-world chemical exposure, particularly when combined with environmental monitoring and modelling approaches.

Research contributions and scientific exchange

Astri presented a poster on the development of an in silico QSAR (Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship) model to predict the immunotoxicity of non–steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and their metabolites in aquatic environments. NSAIDs are widely used and frequently detected in the environment. This research addresses the growing concern of pharmaceutical contamination in water systems. Donna presented her research on the applicability domains of QSAR models for human toxicity assessment, focusing on how to define the boundaries within which these models can be reliably applied for data-poor substances relevant to drinking water safety. Milou and Sanah participated in interactive workshops on science communication and computational toxicological methods. Milou also contributed to session ‘Planet under pressure – challenges and perspectives on water pollution’ with a presentation on water pollution and how this can be monitored and managed, and by being part of the panel that focused on collaboration possibilities and system approaches, and the activating role of scientist for positive impact on the environment. 

Figure 1. Toxicology at every scale: from molecules to ecosystems. Source: www.nvtmeeting2026.nl

Shared insights

The meeting attracted a diverse community of professionals, including representatives from universities and RIVM, and other leading organisations active in toxicology, fostering a dynamic environment for cross-sector dialogue and collaboration. Such exchanges in both formal sessions and informal networking generate new insights for ongoing and future water quality research and management. Discussions during the conference further emphasised that understanding chemical risks requires a multi-scale perspective, from molecular processes to environmental distribution and human exposure, and that regulatory frameworks must be continuously adapted based on real-world evidence. 

Takeaways from the conference

The broad range of poster topics and inclusive workshops highlighted the wide-reaching relevance of toxicology to public health and environmental safety. The participation of KWR affirmed our commitment to bridging science and practice, ensuring that our research not only advances scientific understanding but also delivers tangible benefits for safe and sustainable drinking water. Overall, the conference underscored the importance of integrating experimental data, modelling approaches, and policy feedback loops to improve chemical risk assessment and water quality management. Our participation in this network also helps us stay connected with toxicology experts from other organisations, including those in food safety and public health. These relationships open the door to fresh perspectives, joint efforts on shared challenges, and ongoing learning that strengthens our work in the long run.