About

Markus Hecker, PhD

Professor and Canada Research Chair in Predictive Toxicology and Chemical Safety

Education:

Ph.D. in Hydrobiology and Fisheries Science, University of Hamburg, Germany (1997-2001)

Diplom (M.Sc. equivalent) in Hydrobiology and Fisheries Science, University of Hamburg, Germany (1992-1997)

Scientific Focus Areas and Expertise:

Markus Hecker is a Professor and a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Predictive Toxicology and Chemical Safety with 28 years of experience in conducting research in environmental toxicology and chemical safety assessment. He is considered a global expert in environmental risk assessment, ecotoxicogenomics, hazard characterization of contaminants in native fishes and amphibians, and development of alternatives to live animal testing.  Dr. Hecker has been leading several large-scale initiatives to support the development of new approach methods (NAMs) in support of chemical safety and ecological hazard assessments. He has extensive experience and has led or co-led several research initiatives to characterize the toxicity and environmental impacts of 6PPD-quinone in native fishes. His work has contributed to the discovery of several salmonids other than coho salmon that are highly susceptible to this priority contaminant of concern and has generated novel insights into the specific molecular mechanisms driving sensitivity to 6PPD-quinone. 

Dr. Hecker is a member of the College of the Royal Society of Canada, an endowed guest professor at Goethe University in Frankfurt (Germany) and a visiting/guest professor at Xiamen University (China). He served as the co-Editor-in-Chief of Aquatic Toxicology and is/was an advisor/expert to several national and international organizations including Environment and Climate Change Canada, Health Canada, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the European Food Security Agency and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Dr. Hecker has authored or co-authored over 260 peer-reviewed papers, review articles, editorials and book chapters over his career (H-Index: 67).