His project "Nontarget analysis of Arctic sediments: An empirical indicator of persistent chemicals overlooked by regulation" is supervised by Professor Anna Sobek with additional guidance from Professors Jonathan Benskin and Örjan Gustafsson, all from the Department of Environmental Science.

”Chemical pollution in the Arctic is a significant issue. If a pollutant reaches the Arctic, far from its source of emission, it demonstrates the ability for long-range transport, sufficient persistence, and is likely produced in substantial volumes. These characteristics identify the chemicals that require regulation. Thus, our approach is to utilize the Arctic as a means to identify key chemicals that should be controlled,” explains Xiaodi Shi.

Shi’s research will employ cutting-edge techniques to detect and analyze these pollutants in Arctic sediment, aiming to uncover shortcomings in current chemical regulation.

Shi's study will explore several key areas:

•    Highlighting critical pollutants: Identifying pollutants that are building up in Arctic sediments.
•    Tracing pollution sources: Mapping out where these pollutants originate by examining their distribution in the Arctic.
•    Decoding transport mechanisms: Studying how these pollutants travel to the Arctic, whether through the air, ocean, or via other mixed routes.

This study is expected to shed new light on the identities, origins, and pathways of problematic chemicals, informing and potentially transforming global chemical management practices.

Xiaodi Shi. Photo: Jinming Liu

"I am honoured to receive the Marie Curie Fellowship, which recognizes our novel approach, unique sample archive, and collaborative effort within the Department of Environmental Science to understanding Arctic pollution. Our findings will contribute significantly to refining environmental regulations,” concludes Xiaodi Shi. 

The insights gained from this project are crucial for developing more effective environmental policies worldwide. Shi’s work under the Marie Curie Fellowship will provide essential data that could lead to better regulatory strategies for managing persistent pollutants.

About the Marie Curie Fellowship

The Marie Curie Fellowship is a prestigious grant program offered by the European Commission, part of the Horizon Europe initiative. It aims to support researchers at all stages of their careers, regardless of nationality. 

The fellowship provides opportunities for researchers to gain experience abroad and in different sectors, fostering the mobility of researchers across borders and disciplines. This program not only enhances the career development of individual researchers through international and intersectoral mobility but also promotes the exchange of knowledge and collaboration between academic and non-academic sectors, significantly contributing to the advancement of research and innovation in Europe.

More information about Dr. Shi’s research