Barbara Demeneix, BSc, PhD, DSc

Without our member leaders volunteering their expertise, accomplishing our goals would not be possible. As part of the Society’s health-focused mission, our members advocate for better policies and regulations governing endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) around the world.  In the European Union (EU) the European Parliament and Commission are actively trying to address the harmful effects of these chemicals and Professor Barbara Demeneix, PhD, DSC, has led the Society’s efforts to inform policymakers and regulators as Chair of our EU EDC Task Force.

Under Prof. Demeneix’s guidance, Task Force members have met with Members of the European Parliament and European Commission staff to advise them of the latest science on EDCs.  They have also participated in educational briefings in the Parliament and other events to encourage action to reduce exposures.  Their advocacy has resulted in notable achievements – we prevented unscientific loopholes from being inserted into the criteria to define EDCs in pesticides and biocides laws, and the European Parliament recently adopted a resolution calling for greater EU action to regulate EDCs. 

Prof. Demeneix’s expertise is invaluable, both to the Endocrine Society and the European Parliament.  In May 2019, she coauthored a report for the Petitions Committee of the European Parliament on Endocrine Disruptors:  from Scientific Evidence to Human Health Protection with Remy Slama, PhD.  This important report lays out the scientific evidence for EDCs and reviews the legislative landscape for addressing these chemicals, noting gaps that need to be addressed in a more comprehensive EU strategy. 

Barbara Demeneix has been a tireless scientist and advocate for more protective policies that will improve public and ecological health.  We thank her for her leadership and dedication!