Dr Antonio Peña-Fernández
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Bio
Dr Antonio Peña-Fernández is a Lecturer in Forensic Toxicology and Legal Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá (Spain), and an Honorary Associate Professor in Toxicology and Medical Sciences at De Montfort University (Leicester, United Kingdom). He holds a PhD in Toxicology from the University of Alcalá (2011), a BSc in Chemistry, and advanced qualifications in Toxicology (MSc, University of Seville) and Higher Education (PGCert, De Montfort University).
Dr Peña-Fernández’s research focuses on emerging environmental contaminants and their impact on human health, using both environmental and human biomonitoring techniques. His work has addressed risk assessments related to exposure to trace elements, heavy metals, rare earth elements, and pollutants derived from electronic waste and pharmaceuticals in urban, industrial, and rural environments. He also conducts research on chemical, biological and radiological threats (CBRN), contributing to the development of environmental decontamination strategies and pharmaceutical formulations for medical countermeasures.
He is currently involved in several international research projects funded by institutions such as the Spanish Ministry of Defence, the Carlos III Health Institute, and the Ministry of Science and Innovation. These projects involve collaborations with academic and research institutions in Spain, the United Kingdom, and Sierra Leone, and address human biomonitoring, exposure assessment, and capacity building through the development of protocols, materials, and tools to protect public health from emerging chemical and biological threats.
Dr Peña-Fernández became a European Registered Toxicologist (EUROTOX) in 2013 and was awarded Senior Fellowship of the UK Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) in 2016, in recognition of his commitment to excellence in higher education teaching.
Dr Peña-Fernández appointment as a member of the COT expires on 31st March 2027.
An up-to-date record of member interests can be found on the Register of Interests page.