Dr. Valentina Coatu is a biochemist and senior scientific researcher within National Institute for Marine Research & Development "Grigore Antipa", Department of Chemical Oceanography and Marine Pollution. She holds a PhD in Biology and an Undergraduate Degree in Biochemistry. She is a member of NIMRD’s Scientific Council and a member of the MSFD Expert Network on Contaminants, and is involved in the implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive in Romania. Her professional background involves the marine pollution monitoring of POPs in water, sediments, and biota, and the effects of contaminants on the marine ecosystem. She has been involved in several multidisciplinary EU projects regarding the monitoring strategy at the Black Sea level, and has participated in the environmental permitting process and marine environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for several offshore developments in Romanian marine waters, including exploration/exploitation activities.