There are many uncertainties surrounding the potential adverse effects associated with the exposure of humans and the environment to nanomaterials. However, many benefits may be realised through the exploitation of nanomaterials in numerous applications by diverse sectors. It is therefore necessary to address these uncertainties, so that innovation is not stifled and appropriate control measures can be introduced to manage any identified risks. This will mean that the benefits promised may be realised in a safe manner.

Helinor specialises in investigation of the hazards posed by nanomaterials to human health and the environment. Helinor has diverse research interests including but not limited to; investigation of nanomaterial toxicity to different target sites (e.g. lungs, liver, intestine, skin, placenta and immune system), the development of alternatives to animal testing (e.g. simple and complex in vitro models, organ on a chip devices and early life stages of zebrafish), investigation of the mechanism of nanomaterial toxicity, identification of the physico-chemical properties of nanomaterials which confer toxicity, investigation of the ecotoxicity (aquatic and terrestrial) of nanomaterials, and the development of nanomedicines (e.g. anti-microbial nanomaterials, and development of drug/diagnostic delivery devices) to better diagnose and treat disease (e.g. cancer, cardiovascular disease, TB).

In addition, Helinor investigates the harmful effects of particulate air pollution emitted from different sources (traffic, biomass burning (e.g. agricultural land burning, wildfires)). She has participated in projects in the UK and Thailand to perform epidemiology and experimental studies to investigate the adverse health impacts of particulate air pollution (PM10).

Helinor has been funded by diverse sources such as the EU Commission (GRACIOUS, PATROLS, NANOMICEX, BioBeauty, ITS-NANO), UKRI (NC3Rs, MRC Newton Fund, EPSRC Impact Accelaration Account), Global Challenges Research Fund, and Industry (e.g. Charles River Laboratories, Titanium Dioxide Manufacturers Association (TDMA), SMart Separations, ECFIA)

Prof Helinor Johnston is a Professor (of toxicology) who joined Heriot-Watt University in January 2011. From April 2026 she has been the Associate Principal of Researcher Talent and Skills at Heriot Watt University.

Helinor has diverse research interests and focuses mainly (but not exclusively) on assessing the harmful effects that particles (e.g. nanomaterials and particulate air pollution) have on human health. Prior to joining Heriot-Watt, Helinor was a scientific advisor (2009-2010) in the Chemicals and Nanotechnologies division of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). At Defra she was responsible for research concerned with the environmental impacts of nanomaterials, and persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Helinor completed a post-doc in 2009, at Edinburgh Napier University that reviewed the available published literature on the toxicity of nanoparticles to humans, through participation in the FP7 funded project ENRHES (Engineered Nanoparticles-Review of Health and Environmental Safety). Prior to this she completed her PhD entitled ‘Evaluating the uptake, intracellular fate and functional consequences of hepatocyte exposure, to a range of nanoparticles in vitro’ in 2008 at Edinburgh Napier University. Helinor's PhD was conducted as part of the FP6 funded project PARTICLE_RISK. This project was responsible for assessing the health risks associated with exposure to nanoparticles. The adverse effects of a particle panel, that had varied physico-chemical characteristics was assessed at a number of target sites. Helinor was responsible for determining the impacts of nanoparticle exposure on the liver. Helinor completed her undergraduate degree at King’s College London, in Pharmacology and Toxicology in 2005.

Helinor established the Toxicology MSc at Heriot Watt University in 2024 and is currently setting up Toxicology CPD courses at Heriot Watt University.

Helinor is the Editor in Chief of Nanotoxicology (since January 2026).