RESEARCHERS at Queen’s University Belfast have been awarded €6.1m to develop a test to identify harmful chemicals that affect female fertility.
In collaboration with 11 other universities and institutions, QUB will examine ways to create much needed methods to identify endocrine disruptors, which can interfere with hormones, fertility and brain development.
The tests will be used to address a range of health issues affecting humans, animals and the environment.
Researchers said there is "surprisingly limited knowledge on this issue".
Dr Lisa Connolly from QUB said: "We will investigate how exposure to endocrine disruptors during different hormone-sensitive phases in a woman's life such as the fetal, puberty, and adult stages can ultimately affect her fertility.
"It is only through developing a test to better understand how these chemicals affect fertility that we will then be in a position to offer solutions."