Who they are
RIVM (Dutch: Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieu) is the Netherlands’ leading governmental research and knowledge institute, offering scientific advice to public authorities at the national, European, and global level. With deep expertise in the environmental risks of pharmaceuticals, sustainable medicine use, and green pharmaceuticals, RIVM plays a critical role in shaping policy and advancing health and environmental protection. The institute is also an active contributor to European regulatory frameworks and global networks such as WHO, EMA, OECD, and participates in several international research projects including IHI PREMIER, Horizon TransPharm, and Erasmus+ PlanEd Prescribing.
Who represents RIVM in PREWAPHARM
Caroline Moermond is a senior policy advisor at department for Environmental Risk of Substances and Products (MSP) at RIVM. With a focus on environmental risks throughout the pharmaceutical life cycle, she has developed the GREENER criteria and published on safe and sustainable design. “Progress can only be made if actors and expertises join forces,” she notes.
Also based in the same department, her colleague Emma Witteveen works as a scientific officer. She contributes to several national and international projects related to pharmaceuticals in the environment and sees PREWAPHARM as an opportunity to drive real cross-border collaboration.
Their role in PREWAPHARM
RIVM is leading two major activities within the project:
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Activity 1.2: Prioritisation of pharmaceuticals with environmental risk, based on ecological risk assessment, resulting in a high-impact pharmaceuticals list.
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Activity 1.6: Development of a transnational strategy informed by RIVM’s Chain Approach experience and international policy expertise.
In addition, RIVM contributes to Activities 1.1 and 1.5, and serves as a key advisor across multiple project areas.
Why this topic matters
Pharmaceutical residues in water present risks to both the environment and public health. RIVM’s mission is to offer evidence-based advice to guide effective and appropriate action.
Looking ahead
Through PREWAPHARM, RIVM aims to foster knowledge exchange and collaborative action at a transnational level: essential steps toward sustainable pharmaceutical use and cleaner water across Europe.
Photo credits: RIVM