Nikiforos Alygizakis

My research focuses on developing advanced analytical and data-driven approaches to detect, identify and prioritise contaminants of emerging concern in the environment. I use high-resolution mass spectrometry, target, suspect and non-target screening, bioassays and effect-directed analysis to investigate the occurrence, fate and biological effects of contaminants across environmental media. My ultimate goal is to advance early-warning system and chemical prioritisation to support environmental monitoring, risk assessment and the protection of environmental and human health.

To achieve these goals, I collaborate with experts across Europe and beyond through international research networks and initiatives, particularly the NORMAN Association and the European Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC).

My research focuses on four interconnected areas:

1. Advanced chemical screening: Developing suspect and non-target screening methodologies using high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) to detect, identify and characterise chemical contaminants in complex environmental samples.
2. Environmental occurrence and fate: Investigating the sources, occurrence, transport, transformation, bioaccumulation and food-chain transfer of contaminants across environmental media.
3. Early-warning systems: Developing integrated approaches combining chemical screening, environmental monitoring and data-driven methods to enable the early detection and assessment of emerging chemical threats.
4. Prioritisation of contaminants: Developing evidence-based methodologies that integrate chemical occurrence, exposure, toxicity, hazard and other relevant indicators to identify contaminants of concern and inform environmental monitoring, risk assessment and chemicals management.