He was trained in biomolecular sciences and his early career was in experimental biochemical toxicology where he also applied physiologically based biokinetic modelling. This, combined with subsequent experiences in nutrition and drug research and his broad interest made him a generalist, with a broad focus on the human interaction with the molecular environment.

His current research focuses on bioinformatics for integrative systems biology; aiming at a better interpretation of experimental data through integration in data models that build on structuring existing knowledge.

Integrative approaches are multi-faceted, and Chris is involved in many projects related to capturing and processing experimental data. This includes the interoperability approaches underlying such efforts: standards, ontologies, mapping tools and documentation of the origin of the data and methods used (the provenance). He is a co-lead of the interoperability platform of ELIXIR, active in several of its communities, member of the strategic team of the Dutch ELIXIR node, and involved in the development of FAIRification software and approaches coordinated by that node. Chris is one of the authors of the original paper on FAIR guiding principle for scientific data.