Chemical Innovation and Regulation (Erasmus Mundus) University of Algarve

Overview

Chemicals are everywhere, are an essential component of our daily lives and definitively contribute to the well-being and prosperity of our society. 

However, some chemicals can severely damage our environment or health and are dangerous if not properly used. A large number of substances have been manufactured and placed on the market in Europe for many years, sometimes in very high amounts, and yet there is insufficient information on the hazards that they pose to human health and the environment. 

Key Features

These are some of the reasons that make a sound chemicals management and regulation so important. Policy frameworks are being implemented around the world and should be in place by year 2020. These frameworks are in accordance with the recommendations of the UN’s Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM). Among international regulations such as the US’s Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and Japan’s Chemical Substances Control Law (CSCL), the European REACH regulations, implemented in 2007, are the most ambitious. The REACH regulations (EC 1907/2006, REACH - Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemical substances) are recognized internationally and have been adopted and adapted by the main trade partners of the EU such as China. 

The REACH legislation allows for the gathering scientific information (registration and evaluation) and applying preventive risk management measures (authorization and restriction) of all chemicals manufactured or imported to EU. European manufacturers and importers of chemical substances are required to provide extensive information regarding all potential hazards caused by chemical substances contained in their products. This affects European and non-European companies supplying the European market and it requires an extensive amount of research from public and private research centers in order to assess the toxicity of chemical substances and to design new safer alternatives to their use.

The EMMC ChIR - Erasmus Mundus Master in Chemical Innovation and Regulation programme offered by the University of Algarve - provides professionals with all the tools and knowledge needed from the scientific, the regulatory and the economic point of view to manage the risks of chemicals responsibly and to meet responsibilities over chemical legislation worldwide.

Career Opportunities: 

Chemical Innovation and Regulation (Erasmus Mundus) offered by the University of Algarve graduates gain an in-depth knowledge in chemical design, industrial processes, marketing, risk assessment and chemicals regulations. The EMMC ChIR is designed to attend the needs of chemical companies, research centers and regulation bodies. It opens student’s perspectives for bright professional careers as risk assessment experts, regulatory affairs specialists, regulatory scientists, regulatory professionals.The EMMC ChIR is a second cycle degree that grants access to third cycle degrees in the fields covered by the course. In particular, it is an excellent step towards a doctorate in chemical sciences or in regulatory science.