Course Coordinator: Professor Khunying Mathuros Ruchirawat, Ph.D.

Background:

The Chulabhorn Research Institute (CRI) is aware of the importance of providing a training program to assist developing countries with human resource development in the field of environmental toxicology and risk assessment. Through the years, courses on risk assessment have been organized to train personnel to be capable of carrying out risk assessments of toxic chemicals for the protection of human health and the environment, and therefore serve the needs of the governmental, academic, and industrial sectors.

In December 2026, CRI is organizing two training courses on risk assessment to be taught (in English) primarily by international experts from the United States and Europe, with a wealth of experience in conducting risk assessments, as well as conducting training courses in developing countries

Course Description:

Course 1 The “Environmental Health Risk Assessment and Management of Toxic Chemicals” course is an integration of science and policy, and covers the principals of human health and environmental risk assessment; the risk assessment paradigm; the risk assessment and management processes, which start from problem formulation, hazard, identification and characterization, exposure assessment, and risk characterization; the inherent uncertainties in each step; the mode of action and human relevance framework; chemical-specific adjustment factors; risk assessment of complex mixtures and food chemicals and essential nutrients; the relationship between risk assessment and risk management; as well as the need for open, transparent and participatory acceptance procedures and credible communication methods. Emphasis will be placed on potential adverse health effects of human exposure to environmental hazards, although the principles of ecological risk assessment will also be covered. Importantly, the course teaches the practical application of risk assessment methods to various problems using case studies relevant to problems faced in developing countries. Participants who complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion for their professional portfolio.

Course 2 The “Beyond Fundamentals: Chemical Risk Assessment in Practice” course is designed to expand on core concepts and frameworks used to evaluate chemical hazards and exposures, characterize risk, and interpret assessment results for decision-making. The course will emphasize practical, real-world case examples and hands-on application of commonly used risk assessment tools and approaches and will consist of small-group breakout case study sessions, where participants will explore problem formulation, exposure assessment, toxicity assessment, and risk characterization, highlighting similarities and key differences between human health and ecological approaches. Case studies will cover both human health and ecological applications and will include a range of chemistries, exposure scenarios, toxicological endpoints, and regulatory contexts with global and regional applications.

Requirements:

Applicants must fulfill the following requirements:

• At least two (2) years’ work experience related to the use of basic knowledge in chemistry, biological sciences or medicine.
• Hold a bachelor’s degree from a university/technical college.
• Demonstrate proficiency in English (speaking, reading and writing).
• Be in good health, both physically and mentally, and have a health certificate provided by an authorized physician. This form is also attached together with the Application Form. Pregnancy is regarded as a disqualifying condition for participation in the course.

Application: Interested persons may apply for

• Course 1 only
• Course 2 only, those who apply for Course 2 only should have the necessary background in fundamentals of risk assessment or should have completed Course 1 in previous years.
• Course 1&2, special consideration will be given to participants who plan to attend both training courses.

Fellowship coverage: The fellowship for the training course will cover course fees, round-trip airfare, accommodation allowance, daily stipend, training materials, and health insurance for the duration of the course(s).

Contact: Chulabhorn Research Institute (CRI) 54 Kamphaeng Phet 6 Rd., Lak Si, Bangkok 10210, Thailand

Tel: +66 2 553 8535     Fax: +66 2 553 8536     E-mail: [email protected]