In this episode I speak with Joanna Gavins, who is a professor of English Language and Literature at the University of Sheffield.

Joanna and I discuss the language we use and how this influences the way we think, feel and act in relation to the choices we make, the environment, and chemicals.

We start off by discussing the work Joanna has been doing at the Bio-based and Biodegradable Industries Association (BBIA) on how to effectively communicate information about product sustainability to consumers. We also delve into the topic of the relationship between humans and nature.

Our discussion then moves onto chemicals, and we do a deep dive into the language surrounding chemicals in modern discourse, and how that influences public perception and emerging policy. We talk about the issue of chemicals in the environment, how this relates to humans, and how we might get better at talking and thinking about these issues.

I hope you will find this discussion as fascinating as I did!

Plastic: Unwrapped podcast - Plastic Planet | The University of Sheffield Player

Human/Nature podcast | The University of Sheffield Player

White paper: Growing the UK’s Modern Industrial Bioeconomy

Effective Communication to Advance the Modern Industrial Bioeconomy - report

Just Earth: How a Fairer World Will Save the Planet - Tony Juniper

Vanished: An Unnatural History of Extinction - Sadiah Qureshi

Ecolinguistics: Language, Ecology and the Stories We Live By – Arran Stibbe

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Happy 2026, and welcome to Chemical Journeys Season 2!

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Fola Ogungbemi, Senior Expert in Product Compliance at Currenta.

Fola and I talk about his career journey so far, from student in ecotoxicology to senior regulatory consultant. We discuss experiences of early career scientists finding their next steps after completing a PhD, adapting to working in different sectors, the importance of staying open for continuous growth and learning, and the value of mentorship and support along the way.

Fola also shares some of his personal experiences of relocating to multiple cities, finding friends and community, and his adventures as a DJ. We talk about Fola's journey with the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC), and that part that the organisation has played in his development. Fola also reflects on his Christian Faith and how this shapes his outlook and approach to life.

Fola Ogungbemi, PhD | LinkedIn

DJ with a PhD (@djfolaflo) • Instagram photos and videos

SETAC Europe 36th Annual Meeting

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In this episode, I speak with Dr. Watze de Wolf.

Watze has had a long and accomplished career working as a scientist and manager in both industry and regulatory settings, including 15 years working at the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

We have a wide-ranging discussion about his experiences and observations of how chemicals management has evolved over recent decades, and attempt to provide a diagnosis for the current situation and outlook for the years ahead.

This includes:

• Watze’s background, career journey and people he worked with
• The tension between the uncertainty and complexity of science vs the need for clear and predictable regulation
• The importance of communication and meeting your audience where they are
• Contrasting sensitivities and drivers of behaviour in different industries
• The shift away from risk-based approaches, and the rise of persistence
• The importance of dialogue and the value of organisations like the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC)
• Understanding EU regulations as complex systems
• Experiences with REACH dossiers, from both industry and regulator perspectives
• What it’s like for early career scientists at ECHA
• Discussions and experiences from the ECHA Member State Committee
• Thoughts on the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR)
• What a new harmonised classification of ethanol means for its ongoing use as a disinfectant
• The essential use concept and how it could re-define chemicals management in Europe
• Importance of EU Member State participation, and the impact of Brexit on regulatory discussions
• Regrettable restrictions and thoughts on the ongoing group-wide restriction of PFAS
• Thoughts on the overall direction of travel, broader technological and societal shifts, and the impact on science

Watze's website: rMSC.fi – rMSC

Member State Committee - ECHA

Trifluoroacetic Acid in the Environment: Consensus, Gaps, and Next Steps | Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry | Oxford Academic

Persistence Science Interest Group Pushes Forward with Global Collaboration and New Initiatives

Literature review on micro‐ and nanoplastic release from food contact materials during their use | EFSA

Reflecting on 40 years of regulatory developments in Europe – Peter Fisk — Embark Chemical Consulting

Visit my website for more content and insights www.embarkchemical.com

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