Perspectives Day of the GDCh Division of Environmental Chemistry & Ecotoxicology

The German Federal Environment Agency (UBA) is far more than "just" a regulatory authority. Participants in the 11th Perspectives Day of the jUCÖT (Young Ecologists' Union for Environmental Technology) were able to see this for themselves at the Berlin-Marienfelde location.

Guided tours of the various laboratories and research facilities offered fascinating insights into scientific work. In addition to solid-state extraction and algae laboratory work, current research projects were presented, including investigations into the ecotoxicological effects of munitions remnants in the North and Baltic Seas. In the afternoon, the UBA's field research facilities were visited. Current research on lysimeter systems, mesocosms, and the flow-water simulation facility was presented. A practical demonstration of sediment and water sampling rounded off the visit and vividly illustrated methods used in environmental research.

Personal interaction was also an important part of the event. The shared lunch provided an opportunity to talk with UBA staff and learn more about doctoral topics, theses, and career paths in environmental research and at the Federal Environment Agency. We would like to thank the UBA staff who organized the day with great dedication and gave the participants a closer look at their work.

The jUCÖT's Perspectives Day on April 26, 2026, at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research in Magdeburg offered participants diverse insights into current issues in environmental research and combined impressions from theory and practice. Doctoral candidates presented their current research projects in short lectures – from physical modeling and investigations into anthropogenic pollutants such as tire abrasion to ecological assessments of renaturation measures. In addition to expert input, there were also opportunities to discuss potential theses. A highlight was the sampling on the Old Elbe River, where participants collected water and soil samples themselves and gained practical insights into field methods. This was complemented by a tour of the water analysis laboratories, which illustrated modern analytical methods and the challenges of complex environmental samples. The event received special attention from an MDR television crew, who filmed the Perspectives Day (broadcast: June 20, 2026). The Perspectives Day highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and provided a valuable platform for networking and professional exchange. Special thanks go to the organizing team and all participants for their commitment.

Five participants, a diverse group from Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD programs, spent a day behind the scenes at Hydrotox GmbH on June 25, 2025. As part of the jUCÖT Perspective Day, the group gained practical insights into the world of ecotoxicology. The morning began with a brief round of introductions over coffee. While some participants were already familiar with ecotoxicology, it was new territory for others and perhaps even helped them decide on their future studies. Dr. Christoph Hafner, Head of the testing facility, started with an introduction to ecotoxicology, explaining the most important terminology and the purpose of ecotoxicological tests. Among other things, the following questions were addressed: "What exactly is meant by 'Good Laboratory Practice' (GLP)?", "How is a testing facility structured?", and "Which organisms are used in classic ecotoxicological tests?" During a detailed laboratory tour, the group gained fascinating insights into algae tests and various algae species under the microscope, followed by Daphnia reproduction tests and fish embryo tests. Those who wished could try transferring a fish embryo from one container to another using a pipette. They were also given a look at a Fish Early Lifestage Test (FELST). This sparked a lively discussion about the importance of the 3Rs principle and the purpose of FELST tests in the context of animal welfare and regulatory requirements. The Hydrotox staff took ample time to answer all questions thoroughly and clearly. Finally, the various methods for conducting degradation tests were explained. It was particularly interesting to hear about the advantages and disadvantages of the different methods.

During a shared pizza lunch, a lively discussion arose about career opportunities for female graduates in the field of ecotoxicological testing facilities. To conclude the event, two of the participants shared their experiences: "This really helped me decide to specialize in ecotoxicology!" We thank the organizers for their time and effort, especially Dr. Christoph Hafner, Andrea Brunswik-Titze, and Marie Canon, and look forward to seeing them again!

In Leverkusen, 14 participants were welcomed at the visitor center. During the welcome address, the Chempark was presented, followed by a tour of the facilities, which provided a clear overview of the various plants, security units, and infrastructure. The sheer size and intricate connections within the park made a particularly strong impression. Upon arrival at Currenta, an open discussion took place regarding the challenges facing chemical parks, such as sustainability, competitiveness, and security of supply. This was followed by interactive presentations on non-target analytics for monitoring the wastewater system in relation to the production levels of individual plants within the Chempark, and on product compliance and ecotoxicology from an industry perspective. The group also toured ecotoxicology and environmental analysis laboratories for wastewater and air samples. Finally, a representative from the human resources department presented career entry opportunities. This diverse and informative day of insights concluded with a pleasant meal shared by some of the participants.

For five participants, the day began at noon at the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry (MPIC) in Mainz with a welcome address and introduction to the Max Planck Institutes by Dr. Susanne Benner. Afterwards, Prof. Gerhard Lammel (from the Working Group Atmospheric Chemistry) gave a keynote speech on the multiphase distribution of pollutants in the atmosphere, soil , and oceans. This was followed by a tour of the institute. The group first gained fascinating insights into the institute's research on field measurements of volatile organic compounds using the HALO research aircraft over Australia and at the ATTO tower in the Amazon rainforest. They then visited another working group investigating stalagmites and stalactites as climate archives based on isotope ratios. To conclude the first part of this day of insights, Dr. Susanne Benner provided information on entry-level research opportunities within the Max Planck Society. In the afternoon, the group moved on to the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research (MPIP), which is located right next door. There, as part of a Student Open House, an open session with a poster presentation took place. The various departments and working groups at the MPIP were presented, and attendees learned more about job openings and entry-level opportunities. The evening concluded in a relaxed atmosphere with drinks, bratwurst, vegan meatballs, and music outdoors in sunny weather.

5th Perspectives Day at the Federal Environment Agency
Anyone who has ever wanted to learn more about the German Federal Environment Agency (UBA) as a potential employer had the opportunity to do so on November 20, 2019. The GDCh Division of Environmental Chemistry & Ecotoxicology held its annual "Perspectives Day" in Dessau-Roßlau. The day offered undergraduate and graduate students the chance to learn more about the UBA as a potential employer and to make initial contacts. In addition to general information about the UBA's work in Dessau-Roßlau, the regulation of chemicals was examined from various perspectives in expert presentations. Besides an introduction to regulatory ecotoxicology, there were also presentations on the Water Framework Directive as a media-related regulation and on flame retardants in waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) as an example of product-related regulations. Furthermore, there was a guided tour showcasing the architectural and technical features of the agency's headquarters. Gaining an impression of the speakers' daily work was particularly interesting for the participants. This was also served by an afternoon meeting with new employees of the UBA, who talked about their experiences in the application phase and starting their careers.