Philip Holmes, BSc, CBiol, MIBiol, ERT

Technical Director Chemicals Science

Risk and Policy Analysts Ltd.

E-mail: phil.holmes@rpaltd.co.uk

I am Technical Director of Chemicals Science at Risk and Policy Analysts Ltd, a consultancy based in Norfolk, UK where I have particular responsibility for projects relating to the human and environmental risks of chemicals. I am also an invited lecturer on MSc courses at Cranfield University and at the University of Leicester. 

I have over 30 years experience in mammalian toxicology and risk assessment, having worked extensively on the hazard and risk assessment of a wide range of chemical classes (including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, food additives and contact materials, and industrial and consumer chemicals.  I hold a degree from the University of Sheffield and have been a Registered Toxicologist with the Institute of Biology/British Toxicology Society/EUROTOX since 1995.  Prior to joining RPA, I was most recently Deputy Director at Cranfield University's Institute of Environment and Health (IEH) and have previously worked as a Senior Toxicologist for the UK's Medical Research Council and as Manager of a large General and Reproductive Studies Group at a major international toxicology testing facility. 

Whilst maintaining an interest in regulatory toxicology, since 1996 I have mainly focussed on the study of the relationship between environmental agents and human health; this has included detailed assessment of the risks to humans of chemicals present in soil, drinking water, food and air, as well as various occupational health issues.  I have also managed various government funded research programmes and provided scientific secretariate services to government committess and have advised on policy in relation to the European chemicals regulation (REACH), on childhood health issues and on alternatives to animal testing.