Prof. Dick Vethaak is a biologist and toxicologist by training. He retired in 2020 from VU University Amsterdam as an emeritus professor of Water Quality and Health. His long-term employment at Deltares in Delft ended in April 2022. Currently, he is a senior guest scientist at Utrecht University’s Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS).
Vethaak’s areas of expertise include assessing water quality and ecosystem health, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and the fate and effects of plastic debris. Micro/nanoplastics are the subject of his recent research.
In addition to participating in various ZonMw breakthrough projects, Vethaak co-coordinates the MOMENTUM project (the Dutch Microplastics and Human Health consortium). Also, he advises ZonMw on how to proceed with its Microplastic & Health research program. Currently, Vethaak supervises three Ph.D. students on micro/nanoplastic research. His work is frequently mentioned in national and international media.
