Exposomics using genetic and epigenetic biomarkers

Sciensano is a public & independent scientific institute dedicated to human and animal health and their environment. We conduct scientific research and surveillance, and support the government and various agencies and organisations with health expertise, advice and services. Sciensano attaches great importance to the One Health principle, which emphasises that the health of humans, animals and their environment are interconnected.

Within Sciensano, Transversal activities in Applied Genomics is a transversal unit developing and implementing molecular biology and bioinformatics applications to perform both routine analyses, and scientific & innovative technological research. We generate new knowledge & tools tailored to face and anticipate the current & future challenges affecting human health, including activities in the domain of molecular detection, identification and characterisation of micro-organisms, biotech plants and human biomarkers.

We are seeking a consortium where we contribute state-of-the-art biomarker measurement and interpretation to better connect environmental exposures, biological responses, and health outcomes. Our core expertise lies in high-resolution microbiome, genetic and epigenetic biomarker analysis, designed for integration into large human studies, cohorts, and biomonitoring frameworks.

Genetic and epigenetic biomarkers add a critical mechanistic and human-relevant layer that is currently underrepresented in many large-scale health and environmental studies. These calls aim to move beyond describing associations toward understanding how environmental, lifestyle, and climate-related factors become biologically embedded and lead to disease. While genetic polymorphisms reveal susceptibility treats, epigenetic alterations are markers of early biological effects at the molecular level. Together, they enable identification of vulnerable groups, early warning signals, and modifiable pathways, which is essential for prevention-focused NCD research, climate–health impact assessment, and next-generation risk assessment. Their inclusion also strengthens the implementation of NAMs by providing human-based, mechanism-informed data that can complement or reduce reliance on animal models and improve the scientific basis for regulatory and public health decision-making.

Using advanced sequencing technologies, we analyse genetic polymorphisms (SNP) and DNA methylation as biomarkers of susceptibility and biological effect, particularly in the context of environmental and chemical exposures.

This enables: Identification of interindividual susceptibility to environmental stressors; Detection of early molecular changes associated with exposure and disease pathways; Integration of genetic, epigenetic, exposure, and health data for NGRA.

We enable consortia to: Integrate human-relevant NAMs into biomedical and regulatory research; Link environment, climate, lifestyle and health through measurable biological pathways; Strengthen multisectoral NCD research with mechanistic biomarkers beyond the healthcare system; Support regulatory science and NGRA with effect and susceptibility biomarkers in real human populations.

By combining innovative molecular technologies, population-scale feasibility, and expertise in exposure–biology–health integration, we provide a critical bridge between epidemiology, mechanistic biology, & risk assessment.