Happy 2026, and welcome to Chemical Journeys Season 2!

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Afolarin Ogungbemi, Senior Expert in Product Compliance at Currenta.

Fola and I talk about his career journey so far, from student in ecotoxicology to senior regulatory consultant. We discuss experiences of early career scientists finding their next steps after completing a PhD, adapting to working in different sectors, the importance of staying open for continuous growth and learning, and the value of mentorship and support along the way.

Fola also shares some of his personal experiences of relocating to multiple cities, finding friends and community, and his adventures as a DJ. We talk about Fola's journey with the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC), and that part that the organisation has played in his development. Fola also reflects on his Christian Faith and how this shapes his outlook and approach to life.

Fola Ogungbemi, PhD | LinkedIn

DJ with a PhD (@djfolaflo) • Instagram photos and videos

SETAC Europe 36th Annual Meeting

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Watze de Wolf.

Watze has had a long and accomplished career working as a scientist and manager in both industry and regulatory settings, including 15 years working at the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

We have a wide-ranging discussion about his experiences and observations of how chemicals management has evolved over recent decades, and attempt to provide a diagnosis for the current situation and outlook for the years ahead.

This includes:

• Watze’s background, career journey and people he worked with
• The tension between the uncertainty and complexity of science vs the need for clear and predictable regulation
• The importance of communication and meeting your audience where they are
• Contrasting sensitivities and drivers of behaviour in different industries
• The shift away from risk-based approaches, and the rise of persistence
• The importance of dialogue and the value of organisations like the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC)
• Understanding EU regulations as complex systems
• Experiences with REACH dossiers, from both industry and regulator perspectives
• What it’s like for early career scientists at ECHA
• Discussions and experiences from the ECHA Member State Committee
• Thoughts on the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR)
• What a new harmonised classification of ethanol means for its ongoing use as a disinfectant
• The essential use concept and how it could re-define chemicals management in Europe
• Importance of EU Member State participation, and the impact of Brexit on regulatory discussions
• Regrettable restrictions and thoughts on the ongoing group-wide restriction of PFAS
• Thoughts on the overall direction of travel, broader technological and societal shifts, and the impact on science

Watze's website: rMSC.fi – rMSC

Member State Committee - ECHA

Trifluoroacetic Acid in the Environment: Consensus, Gaps, and Next Steps | Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry | Oxford Academic

Persistence Science Interest Group Pushes Forward with Global Collaboration and New Initiatives

Literature review on micro‐ and nanoplastic release from food contact materials during their use | EFSA

Reflecting on 40 years of regulatory developments in Europe – Peter Fisk — Embark Chemical Consulting

Visit my website for more content and insights www.embarkchemical.com

In this episode I speak with Dr. Steven Brennan, co-founder and CEO of Foresight.

Foresight is a software platform that helps organizations to make sense of complex and fast moving chemical regulations, so they can always be ready for what's coming next.

Steven and I have a nice conversation that shows how he turned his years of regulatory experience into a software solution that solves a key challenge - how to get access to key insights faster to understand and manage regulatory change.

Listen to this conversation if you want to get a look into the world of startups and software as a solution (SaaS) from a chemical regulatory point of view. We also talk about aspects of building and growing a business, and some reflections on life as founders and keeping everything in balance.

Our conversation covers:

• Steven's background and career journey
• The story behind Foresight - identifying an industry need, and developing a solution
• Features of Foresight - how the tool delivers advanced regulatory insights
• Applications and limitations of AI in chemicals regulation
• REACH Article 129 - Member State safeguard clause
• What kinds of customers are using Foresight?
• What process and considerations go into developing new features?
• Building the company - from startup to commercialisation
• The customer buyer journey
• Steven's work as a co-opted member of the ECHA Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC)
• Steven and Chris swap stories about life as founders

Follow the link to find out more about Foresight and start your free trial: Foresight | The future of chemical policy monitoring

Visit my website for more content and insights www.embarkchemical.com