Ensuring the reliability of environmental risk assessments for complex substances requires robust analytical and experimental strategies. This one-hour webinar will explore practical chemistry solutions for tackling “difficult to test” substances, following the guidance in OECD 23.

Whether you’re a regulatory scientist, ecotoxicologist, or consultant in the chemical, pharma, or agrochemical sectors, this session will offer actionable insights for working with challenging substances.

What You’ll Learn
•    Key analytical techniques for complex substances
•    Study design considerations for improving reliability
•    Best practices for handling issues like poor solubility and hydrophobicity
•    Strategies to enhance data quality and ensure regulatory compliance

Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Time: 9:00am ET / 2:00pm BST

Register

Presenters:

Phil Rooney, Director of Chemistry, Environmental Risk Sciences, Europe
Phil Rooney is responsible for managing the Chemistry Services portfolio in the UK, focusing on optimizing operational processes, staff development, and facility enhancement. Phil has successfully led multiple initiatives in previous scientific roles that enhanced operational efficiency, including improving GLP LC-MS/MS capabilities and managing a strategic continuous improvement program. He has also served as GLP study director for a wide range of OECD and EPA study types. Phil earned his Analytical Bioscience MSc and Biochemistry BSc (Hons) from the University of Huddersfield, UK. 

Sidney Bluemink, Study Director, Chemistry
Sidney Bluemink joined Smithers as a chemist/method developer in 2012. He directs studies and methods development for Residue Chemistry on soil, agricultural products, and animal tissues and fluids. He brings gas chromatography and method development proficiency with over 20 years of experience that spans across his tenure at Smithers and other laboratories. His undergraduate studies covered Oceanography with a Chemistry focus from the University of Liverpool (UK) and earned him a BSc with honors. 

Mitch Kelly, Study Director, Chemistry
Mitch Kelly joined Smithers in 2015 and has nearly 35 years in the field of analytical chemistry. He is responsible for method development, troubleshooting, client liaison over compound behavior, support of analysis in ecotox testing, residues studies and physical chemistry. He has expertise in LC, GC, GC/MS and LC/MS, sample prep, cleanup, derivatization and behavior of chemicals.  Mitch holds a BSc (Hons) Chemistry from University of Leicester. He is a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (MRSC) with Chartered Chemist status and has over 20 publications.