• Aquatic ecotoxicology,
• Biochemical and molecular toxicology,
• Immunobiology and immunotoxicology,
• Development of antimicrobial resistance in populations,
• Terrestrial ecotoxicology,
• Analytical chemistry,
• Ecological modeling,
• Environmental chemistry.
  

A strong fundamental research program at CIET examines the mechanisms of how chemicals exert their toxicity and how variability in individual organisms can lead to sensitivity or resistance in a wide array of species.

Methods developed from research studies provide the means for assessing chemical exposure and impact in the field. Field studies, used to document the status of potentially affected species, typically incorporate small mammal and avian habitat assessment, water and vegetation sampling and collection of invertebrates and aquatic organisms and estuarine-marine habitat assessment.

Data acquired are often incorporated into ecological modeling systems to predict the effects of toxicants on ecosystems. Computer simulations are then constructed to formulate and analyze different experiments and to search for optimal solutions for risk management. Data acquired from field studies are integrated with laboratory findings to provide real-world evidence in the quest to determine biological responses to substance exposure.