Emma Babij
Section Head, Microbial and Biochemical Evaluation Section,
Health Evaluation Directorate, Pest Management Regulatory Agency, Health Canada
Emma Babij is the Section Head of the Microbial and Biochemical Evaluation Section of the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) of Health Canada, where she leads an experienced team conducting evaluation and risk assessment of all classes of biopesticides. The diversity of her group’s work also encompasses emerging biotechnologies and devices used for pest control purposes. Prior to her current role, Emma worked in the Health Evaluation Directorate of PMRA for 12 years where she conducted pre- and post-market hazard evaluations and exposure assessments for non-conventional pesticides, including biochemicals, essential oils, plant growth regulators, and pheromones. In these roles she has been involved in activities at the OECD level and has contributed to policy development and Agency projects, and participated in working groups examining modernized and alternative approaches to toxicological testing and risk assessment at the national and international level. A toxicologist by training, Emma holds a Master of Science in Biomedical Toxicology and Nutritional Sciences from the University of Guelph. Prior to joining Health Canada, Emma worked for a toxicology consulting group assisting clients in preparing regulatory dossiers.