Nicole van Straten studied chemistry at Leiden University, The Netherlands. After her PhD she worked in pharmaceutical research and development for fifteen years in line and project management positions with increasing responsibilities. In 2014 she joined the Dutch board for the authorization of plant protection products and biocides (Ctgb) as team leader human toxicology and residues. Since 2015 she is departmental head, responsible for the scientific assessment of all dossiers in the field of plant protection and biocides. In addition, as of July 2019 she is also deputy secretary/director of Ctgb.