Parvin contributes her expertise to ensure the benefits of nickel in lithium-ion batteries are well understood. With extensive experience in the field of energy storage, she has made significant contributions to the area of solid electrolytes through her fundamental knowledge in inorganic material synthesis and its application to both Li-ion and Na-ion energy storage devices.

Prior to joining the Nickel Institute, Parvin held a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) where she worked on energy storage material formulation and optimization particularly on solid-state batteries (SSB) and composite electrolyte materials. She also led the NRC portion of the collaborative project ‘AI driven design and development of SSB electrolytes for consumer electronics’.

Parvin holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Materials Science & Engineering and Chemical Engineering. She also completed a 3-year teaching program at the University of Waterloo’s Centre for Teaching Excellence and has held various council positions in policy-making meetings at the Department and Faculty level at the University of Waterloo.

Parvin is based in the Nickel Institute’s Toronto office.

Hudson is responsible for steering the strategic direction of the Nickel Institute and the industry in promoting and supporting the use of nickel in appropriate applications. He has been President of the Nickel Institute since 2018.

He was formerly Executive Director, NiPERA Inc., joining in 1994. He is a specialist in reproductive toxicology. Previously, he managed toxicology laboratories at the U.S. FDA’s National Center for Toxicological Research, Research the Triangle Institute (RTI) and Transgenic Sciences, Inc.

A US national, Hudson holds a Bachelors degree in biology from the State University of New York at Albany, a Masters in toxicology from the Albany Medical College of Union University and a PhD in toxicology from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He became a Diplomat of the American Board of Toxicology in 1992. Hudson is based in the Nickel Institute’s Durham office.

Inge coordinates all aspects of the Nickel Institute’s governance meetings and is the Brussels Office Manager. She also provides support to the Nickel Institute Management Committee.

Prior to joining the Nickel Institute in 2011, Inge held the position of Executive Assistant at Toyota Motor Europe. She has considerable experience in all aspects of office administration, including managing travel and agendas as well as organising meetings and events.

A Belgian citizen, Inge has a degree in Secretarial Management, Business Translation and Interpreting (Dutch, English, Spanish) from the Katholieke Hogeschool Limburg (KHLim) Diepenbeek.

Sam manages research programmes on nickel genotoxicity and carcinogenicity within the NiPERA team and leads regulatory efforts on nickel cancer classifications. Sam authors regulatory position papers and collaborates with colleagues on other human health research programmes.

Prior to joining NiPERA in 2017, Sam was a postdoctoral research associate at Baylor College of Medicine, Texas and at Iowa State University, Iowa.

A naturalized US citizen from Ghana, Samuel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Ghana, a PhD in Toxicology from Iowa State University, Iowa, USA and a PhD in Life and Health Sciences from François Rabelais University in Tours, France. Sam is a board certified Toxicologist and a member of the Society of Toxicology, the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He is also a member of the National Register of Italian Certified Toxicologists and a European Registered Toxicologist. Sam is based in the Durham office.

David is responsible for developing, managing and executing the Nickel Institute’s Public Policy & Sustainability programme for China. The programme goal is to ensure that regulations relating to nickel and nickel compounds are based on sound scientific concepts and that appropriate guidelines are developed for metals.

Before joining the Nickel Institute in 2017, David accumulated a wealth of experience in public affairs at the Chinese operations of Oshkosh-JLG, DuPont Pioneer, Caterpillar, the National Energy Association and the State Administration of Work Safety China.

A Chinese citizen, David holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Language with Business Administration, Economics & Trade from China Ocean University and a Master's degree in Law from Peking University. He is based in the Nickel Institute’s Beijing office.

Parul’s main responsibilities are to conduct market research and analysis specific to nickel and its applications. She is also responsible for managing market data services. She is based in the Brussels office.

Prior to joining the Nickel Institute in 2014, Parul held positions at the World Bank, the World Steel Association, and the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology.

A citizen of India, Parul holds a Bachelors and a Masters degree in Economics from the Delhi School of Economics as well as an MBA in Economics and Management from Solvay Business School in Brussels.

Gary is responsible for market development projects and managing the Nickel Institute's consultants in North America from his base in Toronto. He provides technical nickel-related education and training internationally for various industries including the chemical, petrochemical, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, water and engineering sectors. Gary also provides metallurgical support to the organisation worldwide.

Gary joined the Nickel Institute in 1999 as Technical Director. Previously, he worked with a major international stainless steel producer for 25 years.
A citizen of Canada, Gary holds a BEng. degree from McMaster University in Hamilton, is a registered professional engineer (Ontario) and has more than 40 years of experience working with stainless steels and nickel alloys.

Isaline provides communications support across the Nickel Institute. She also manages the Nickel REACH Consortia communications, website, publications, meetings and events. In addition, Isaline is also the Nickel Institute’s in-house designer, responsible for visual identity and e-communications.

Before joining the Nickel Institute in 2009, Isaline worked as a communications and product manager in Luxembourg.

A Belgian citizen, Isaline holds a degree in Communication and Public Relations from the Catholic University of Louvain-la-Neuve. She is based in Brussels.

Pablo supports the Nickel Institute’s LCA team on nickel life cycle assessment, sustainability and responsible sourcing projects, such as life cycle inventory updates, carbon footprint, recycling and due diligence. He follows regulatory developments, life cycle & carbon footprint methodology activities and the academic and scientific discussion in view of low carbon economy, resource efficiency, and circular economy.

He joined the Nickel Institute in 2017 from the European Chemicals Agency in Helsinki where he worked on regulatory chemistry affairs in the Substance Identification and Data Sharing unit, with a focus on REACH and Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulations. Prior to taking on his current role in 2022 Pablo managed and coordinated the Nickel REACH Consortia’s activities for over five years.

Pablo is a Spanish national and holds an MEng in Chemical Engineering, with a dual specialty in Process Controls and Chemical and Biochemical Processes. He is based in the Nickel Institute’s Brussels office.

Claude is working on the responsible sourcing program within the NI’s LCA and Sustainability team. She is also responsible for managing events, publishing Nickel Institute position papers, maintaining relationships with stakeholders and ensuring member engagement in the Public Policy & Sustainability team’s activities. In addition, she is the Nickel Institute’s webmaster and is responsible for media and regulatory monitoring.

Since joining the Nickel Institute in 2007, Claude has held the positions of Member Services Manager and Office Manager. Previously, she worked as a business travel agent.

Claude is a French citizen and studied biology at the Louis Pasteur University of Strasbourg in France. She is based in the Nickel Institute’s Brussels office.

Emily is responsible for developing and overseeing research for assessing the environmental effects of nickel production and use. She also coordinates the environmental research programme for the Nickel REACH Consortia and assists with other global environmental regulatory initiatives.

Prior to joining NiPERA in 2008, Emily was an Environmental Consultant with DPRA. She is a member of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry and was on the Board of Directors for the Regional Chapter.

A US national, Emily holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Environmental Science from the University of Pennsylvania, a Masters in Environmental Engineering specialising in water resources from Johns Hopkins University and a PhD in Integrative Biology from Florida Atlantic University. She is a Certified Environmental Risk Assessor.

Kate Heim leads the Nickel Institute’s communications, research and regulatory actions regarding Nickel Allergic Contact Dermatitis. Her responsibilities also include overseeing bioelution testing and supporting incorporation of this approach into regulatory frameworks. Additional regulatory scientific input for nickel substances in Korea REACH and the International Maritime Organisation is also part of her role.

Kate first joined NiPERA in 1996, leaving in 2006 to work for ARCADIS on REACH registration dossiers. She returned to NiPERA in 2011, overseeing the updating of the REACH registration dossiers and resuming her role as the dermal sensitisation expert.

A US national, Kate holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Colorado College and has a PhD in Toxicology and Cell Biology from Duke University. She has been a board-certified toxicologist since 2000. She is based in Durham.

Fabien is responsible for ensuring that developing regulations for nickel and nickel compounds in South East Asia are based on sound science and risk management. He represents the nickel sector with supra-governmental organisations in the region, national authorities and industry associations. He is based in Singapore.

Prior to joining the Nickel Institute in 2018, Fabien spent five years at Lisam Services Telegis in France, before moving to Singapore in 2015 as Regulatory Affairs and Business Consultant with Lisam Singapore Pte. At Lisam Fabien gained extensive experience as a consultant on regulatory monitoring and support for corporate clients, working on GHS, REACH and other regulatory topics.

Fabien is a French citizen. He has an MSc in Chemical Engineering from the Ecole Supérieur de Chimie Organique et Minérale and a BSc from the Université de Cergy Pontoise, France.

Jessie Hilgoe has a broad background in accounting. She is responsible for processing accounting transactions, closing month-end books and generating month-end reports, improving accounting processes, and annual audits.

Jessie began at Nickel Institute in August 2018. Prior to that, she was an Audit Senior for a public accounting firm and prior to that she was an Accounting Supervisor for an engineering company. Jessie has her Masters in Accounting from North Carolina State University.

Connie Lawson has extensive experience in operational support services and project management. She is responsible for organising and coordinating the Durham office operations and procedures to ensure they are efficient and effective. She provides office management, including liaison between staff and outsourced services, as well as overseeing the NiPERA sample repository and providing communications support.

Connie first worked at NiPERA from 1988-1997. She re-joined in 2009, after working for a global technology services company in the life sciences sector, where she implemented data validation services for pharmaceutical companies from project initiation to production rollout and management of day-to-day operations.

Tara is responsible for coordinating, managing and maintaining the classification and toxicity data in the Nickel REACH Consortia registration dossiers. She also manages several projects within the nickel nanoparticulate research programme.

Prior to joining NiPERA, Tara held two consecutive postdoctoral research fellowships that focused on prostate cancer research (Duke University) and the biological effects of neurotoxic agents (U.S. EPA). Following her postdoctoral research, Tara had the unique opportunity to work as a medical writer and editor for Education and Training Systems International and The Customer Link. In 2008, Tara joined NiPERA as the scientific technical writer and later expanded her scientific contribution by increased utilization of her educational and research background.

Tara holds Bachelor’s degrees in Biochemistry and Chemistry from North Carolina State University and has a PhD in Pathology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is a Board Certified Toxicologist (Diplomat of the American Board of Toxicology). Tara is a US citizen, based in Durham.

Richard leads the Market Development team to promote the use of nickel in appropriate applications. Richard has represented the Nickel Institute since 2007. He has extensive knowledge of nickel and its applications and has helped establish and grow markets for nickel-containing products in diverse sectors, including concrete reinforcement, plumbing and civil engineering.

Prior to joining the Nickel Institute, Richard was Executive Director of the Australian Stainless Steel Development Association (ASSDA).

An Australian citizen, Richard holds a BA from Monash University in Melbourne. He is based in Brisbane.

Ellie operates within NiPERA's environmental science program, where she collaborates on designing and managing environmental studies to address global regulatory concerns. She also facilitates communication and documentation of environmental exposure, hazards, and risks associated with nickel and its compounds to regulatory agencies and relevant stakeholders.
Prior to joining NiPERA in 2019, Ellie served as an Ecological Risk Assessor with Jacobs Engineering where she worked on projects supporting both governmental bodies and private sector industries, gaining expertise in U.S. EPA environmental regulations. She is an active member of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) and has co-authored over 25 peer-reviewed publications in scientific journals. Ellie is certified by the International Board of Environmental Risk Assessors (IBERA).
Ellie holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Metropolitan State University of Denver, a master's degree in Geochemistry from Colorado School of Mines, and a Ph.D. in Geochemistry specializing in aquatic toxicology from Colorado School of Mines. Ellie is a US citizen and is based in the Durham office.

Camelia is responsible for managing and coordinating the Nickel Institute’s activities related to chemicals management in jurisdictions around the world. She has a day‐to‐day focus on EU‐REACH policy developments.

Prior to joining the Nickel Institute in 2023, she had a 14-year career at CEFIC (European Chemical Industry Council). She started her career in academia, with postdoctoral positions at Ghent University and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel.

Camelia holds a PhD in Sciences from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel and a Masters in Sciences, Biochemistry, from the University of Bucharest. She is a dual Belgian and Romanian citizen.

Mark is responsible for life cycle management and sustainability issues in the LCA & Sustainability team. He monitors regulatory developments likely to impact the nickel industry and identifies opportunities to contribute to the academic and scientific debate on life cycle assessment and the benefits of using and recycling nickel. He is moreover involved into the development of global sustainability standards. Mark is based in Brussels.

Prior to joining the Nickel Institute in 2008, Mark worked as REACH Coordinator at Aurubis, the integrated copper group and copper recycler and as Environmental Manager at Eurometaux, the European non-ferrous metals association.

As German citizen, Mark holds a degree in Economic Geology and has a PhD in Mining Engineering both from Aachen RWTH Technical University (Germany).

Geir manages the Nickel Institute’s Technical Inquiry Service and provides metallurgical support to the Nickel Institute worldwide. He is a professional engineer, registered in Ontario, Canada and is based in Toronto.
Before joining the Nickel Institute in 2014, Geir held the position of Senior Materials Engineer with a global engineering company and also worked for 17 years with a major international stainless steel producer.

A Canadian national, Geir holds a Bachelor of Applied Science, Metallurgical Engineering from Queens University in Kingston, Ontario.

Phil delivers IT support across the Nickel Institute, ensuring that the IT services are efficient, effective and capable of adapting to changing needs and demands. He enables collaborative working between all Nickel Institute locations.

Before joining the Nickel Institute in 2014, Phil had provided external IT consultancy to NiPERA since 1997. Previously, he worked for SRA International as a Senior Systems Engineer and served in the US Navy as a Radioman.

A US national, Phil is a Microsoft Certificated Systems Engineer, a Microsoft Certified Professional, a SANS Global Information Assurance Certificated Security Professional and an Oracle Certified Associate and holds CompTIA A Plus, CompTIA Security Plus certification. He is based in Durham and is part of the Shared Services team.

Linda is the Nickel Institute’s General Counsel & Corporate Secretary. She is responsible for managing the Governance of the Nickel Institute, acting as Compliance and Privacy Officer as well as delivering legal advice and services.

Linda joined the Nickel Institute in 2018. She has extensive experience gained both in the not-for-profit and private sectors. She was latterly Vice President & General Counsel of the Canadian Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association (CCFTA) and their charitable foundation. Prior to joining the CCTFA in 2003, Linda established her own corporate/commercial law practice. The early part of her career was spent at The Body Shop, Canada where she was Vice President Legal, HR & Corporate Affairs.

Linda has a B.A. in Communications & Visual Arts from the University of Windsor, Ontario and a Law degree from the University of Western Ontario. She also has an Advanced Executive Program Certificate in Human Resources Management, from the University of Toronto. She was admitted to the Bar in 1994 and is a member of the Law Society of Ontario; the Canadian Bar Association; the Canadian Society of Association Executives and the Human Resources Professional Association.

Clare heads up communications across the Nickel Institute. She is responsible for ensuring that the importance of nickel and nickel-containing materials is widely recognised and that Nickel Institute Members are kept up-to-date on Nickel Institute activities.

Before joining the Nickel Institute in 2013, Clare held corporate communications roles in blue chip companies and industry associations. In addition to her communications experience, she has considerable knowledge of change management, marketing, events, crisis management and CSR communications.

A dual British and Belgian citizen, Clare holds a degree in Business Studies from the University of Edinburgh. She is based in the Nickel Institute’s Brussels office.

Christian Richter is the US Public Policy & Sustainability Principal and is based in Washington DC. He is responsible for leading the Nickel Institute’s public policy outreach in the United States.

Christian has more than 25 years experience in US public policy.
A US citizen, Christian holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Political Science and a Masters in Policy Analysis/Public Policy.

Chris leads NiPERA Inc’s team of environmental and human health toxicologists as well as support staff. He is responsible for the strategic research direction of the science arm of the Nickel Institute, as well as guiding the research, regulatory and communications activities of six doctoral level staff. Prior to being appointed Executive Director, NiPERA in 2021, Chris was Senior Environmental Toxicologist and Deputy Executive Director, responsible for ensuring that regulations pertaining to nickel and nickel substances in the environment are based on current scientific knowledge. Chris also represents NiPERA in global regulatory processes, with specific emphasis on bioavailability-based risk-assessment approaches for nickel in water, sediment, and soil.

Before joining NiPERA in 2003, Chris was manager of Environmental and Health Sciences for Rio Tinto Borax in California. He serves on the editorial board of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry.

A US citizen, Chris holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, a Masters in Marine Biology and a Doctorate in Environmental Health Sciences. He is a Board-Certified Toxicologist and is based in Durham.

Gerry is responsible for Shared Services, which includes all financial-related activities of the Institute, Human Resources and IT. 

Before taking up his current role in 2015, Gerry was Financial Officer for NiPERA Inc. His association with NiPERA started in 1999. He has expertise in strategic planning, internal controls, budgeting and forecasting models.

A US national, Gerry holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting (cum laude) from Case Western Reserve University. He is also both a Certified Public Accountant and a Chartered Global Management Accountant. He is based in the Nickel Institute’s Durham office.

Jürg Schweizer is Market Development Manager, South East Asia for the Nickel Institute and is based in Singapore. He is responsible for Market Development activities in Asian markets outside Japan and China, executing projects, developing opportunities and managing partner relations in the region.

Prior to joining the Nickel Institute in 2018, Jürg worked for Thyssen Edelstahl and then for Benteler, where he undertook, for the past 25 years, a number of special assignments in Singapore and the Asian Pacific Region including establishing organisations and joint ventures.

A Swiss national, Jürg studied Marketing, Economics and Commerce in Switzerland

Veronique is responsible for ensuring that global regulation and legislation on nickel and nickel compounds is science-based, justified and takes account of the socio-economic importance and the life cycle perspective of nickel. She leads the Nickel Institute’s Public Policy & Sustainability team and is based in Brussels.

Prior to joining the Nickel Institute in 2012, Veronique was Advocacy Director in the Corporate Sustainability Department of Albemarle. She has more than 20 years experience in regulatory and government affairs as well as advocacy in the corporate metal and chemicals sector.

Veronique holds a PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of Exeter. She currently chairs the EHS and REACH Steering Committee of Eurometaux, the European non-ferrous metals association.

Mike is responsible for overseeing research to fill data gaps in the risk assessment and human health effects associated with exposure to nickel and nickel compounds.

Prior to joining NiPERA in 2013, Mike was senior toxicologist for Afton Chemical Corporation, where he was responsible for identifying potential regulatory and risk assessment gaps regarding the human health effects of inorganic manganese.

A US citizen, Mike holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a PhD in Toxicology, both from West Virginia University. He also conducted post-doctoral research on the health effects of metal-containing dusts and fumes for the National Research Council. He has been a Diplomat of the American Board of Toxicology since 2009. He is based in Durham.

Marco Vallini is responsible for identifying, assessing and reporting on global regulatory and public policy issues, particularly in relation to EHS, product safety and chemicals management. He also works across the Nickel Institute and NiPERA in developing and implementing relevant industry positions. He is based in Brussels.

Before joining the Nickel Institute in 2011, Marco held EU public affairs positions in a number of European trade associations. He also worked for a Member of the European Parliament.

An Italian citizen, Marco holds a Masters degree (Laurea) in Political Science from the University of Milan.

Steven Verpaele is the Industrial Hygienist at the Nickel Institute within the Public Policy & Environment team. He is responsible for feasibility and cost-benefit analyses in developing occupational exposure limits and for strategic input to nickel exposure scenarios in the REACH files.

Prior to joining the Nickel Institute in 2017, Steven worked at MENSURA, Belgium’s largest external occupational health service, where he spent over ten years executing and managing industrial hygiene projects.

A Belgian citizen, Steven graduated (cum laude) in Chemistry from Hogeschool Ghent, holds a BSc and an MSc in Environmental Chemistry from the Open University and studied Occupational Hygiene at the University of Leuven. He is also founder of the Belgian Centre for Occupational Hygiene, a non-profit organisation focused on research and laboratory services for industry. Steven serves on the Board of the Occupational Hygiene Training Association. He is based in the Nickel Institute’s Brussels office.

Cindy (Yao) Wang joined the Nickel Institute in 2021 in the role of Executive Assistance and Communications.
Cindy is fluent in Chinese, English and Japanese. Prior to joining the Nickel Institute she used her organization and language skills as a freelancer and provided events organization support to the Nickel Institute. Her previous experience was as a senior buyer, team leader and manager of a French apparel company in Shanghai.

Cindy is a Chinese citizen and is based in the Nickel Institute’s Tokyo office.

Kenji Takeda is head of the Nickel Institute's Tokyo office.
He is responsible for Market Development and Public Policy & Sustainability as well as supporting the Nickel Institute’s science program in Japan.
He is also responsible for liaising with Nickel Institute members in Japan.
He graduated from the Department of Metallurgy, Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University, and was engaged in nickel refining and hydrometallurgy and wastewater treatment development at Sumitomo Metal Mining.
He also has experience in the recycling business and is familiar with the economics of lithium-ion batteries.