Kristian Dreij

Head of Unit and Research Group Leader at the Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet.

I received my Ph.D. in Toxicology in 2005 from the laboratory of Prof. Jernström at KI. My research focused on the protective role of cellular metabolism and DNA repair against carcinogenic environmental contaminants. Following my Ph.D., I worked as a postdoctoral fellow in the laboratory of Prof. Scicchitano at the Department of Biology, New York University, where our project focused on the effects of chemical interactions with DNA and how cells deal with the resulting damage.

My current research aims to shift the focus from studying the genotoxic effects of single chemicals to understanding the effects of complex mixtures found in our environment. We investigate genotoxicity in exposed populations and on human cells using environmental samples. This allows us to identify mechanisms of mixture toxicity and improve health risk assessment of environmental pollution. Current projects focus on urban and rural air pollution, and past projects have investigated genotoxic mixture effects in the context of soil contamination, indoor air quality in pre-schools, and occupational exposure to pesticides in Bolivia. We also study the effects of genotoxic chemicals and mixtures on transcription and replication fidelity by analyzing RNA and DNA mutagenesis.

In 2016, I was appointed Associate Professor/Docent in Toxicology, and I am also Deputy Program Director of the global Master's Programme in Toxicology at Karolinska Institutet.