Cathryn Tonne Receives Honorary Doctorate from the University of Utrecht

In celebration of its 389th anniversary, the University of Utrecht has awarded Cathryn Tonne, environmental epidemiologist and Research Professor at ISGlobal, an honorary doctorate in recognition of her scientific and social contribution to a healthier planet. The award highlights her pioneering contributions on the health benefits of reducing air pollution and mitigating climate change. “She has bridged fundamental gaps between climate science, public health and applicable policies,” said Roel Vermeulen, Professor at the University of Utrecht and promoter of the award.

“It is an honour to receive this recognition. It not only highlights the impacts of pollution and climate change on health, but also the hard research work behind it and the importance of continuing to advance evidence-based solutions,” stressed Cathryn Tonne.

In 2022, Tonne was awarded the Tony McMichael Mid-term Career Award by the International Society for Environmental Epidemiology for her contributions to environmental epidemiology. She has also been awarded several competitive grants from funding organisations in the USA, the UK and Spain (Ramón y Cajal 2017-2021).

A leader in environmental epidemiology

Thanks to Cathryn Tonne's work, we now know more about the impacts of air pollution on health and health inequalities, both in urban environments in high-income countries and in low- and middle-income countries, where the health burden is greater. In addition, some of her studies have contributed to the formulation of public policies to reduce exposure to environmental pollutants.

The ISGlobal researcher is currently leading CATALYSE, an ambitious European project funded by Horizon Europe to study the relationship between climate change and health. She is also co-director of The Lancet Countdown for Europe on Health and Climate Change, where she coordinates the working group on mitigation actions and their health benefits.

Planetary health, linking public health and sustainability goals

How can we achieve healthier and more equitable lives today without compromising the ability of future generations to achieve the same? Who will be responsible for managing the environmental impacts of public health gains? These are questions that Tonne has been asking herself since the beginning of her scientific career, and she claims to have found the answer in planetary health. For Tonne, "this concept and field of science provides us with a very powerful approach to some of the most pressing challenges we face today in terms of how to improve human life while addressing global environmental challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss."

Recognising scientific and social impact

The University of Utrecht awarded this honorary doctorate as part of its 2025 annual theme, Healthy Planet, which emphasises the need to address environmental challenges through science and social action.

In addition to Cathryn Tonne, the University has also honoured Harini Nagendra from Azim Premji University (India) for her work in urban ecology and sustainability. Each year, the University recognises distinguished academics whose work has significantly advanced their fields.