An important step toward stronger collaboration in chemical hazard assessment has been achieved through an initial mapping of Europe’s research capacities. By collecting insights from over 70 leading experts across 20 countries, the initiative lays the foundation for enhanced cooperation, harmonised methodologies, and shared infrastructures, paving the way for a more integrated and sustainable (eco)toxicological research environment.

Conducted between October 2024 and February 2025, the survey gathered responses from 73 principal investigators through a detailed online questionnaire. It captured information on ongoing research activities, available tools and data infrastructures, training resources, unresolved research questions, and future needs in both prospective and retrospective hazard assessment. 

Several core challenges were identified, including the need to better understand the chemical mixture effects and toxicity mechanisms, develop non-animal testing methods, improve in vitro to in vivo extrapolation, and address cumulative and low-dose exposures. To accelerate research quality and make data use more effective, participants highlighted key future priorities:  the development of advanced testing methods, predictive in vitro and in silico tools, harmonised methodologies, AI integration, open science infrastructures, and stronger cross-border collaboration. 

Initial results have been briefly summarised in a forthcoming PARC report. A more detailed overview will soon be made publicly available through PARC channels in the form of a publicly accessible online catalogue. This resource aims to facilitate collaboration, share tools and expertise, and support data harmonisation in line with FAIR principles. 

This initiative complements previous and ongoing efforts to coordinate exposure science in Europe (e.g. HBM4EU ↗, NORMAN ↗) and is designed to align with major platforms such as EIRENE RI ↗ and ELIXIR RI ↗. The data and insights collected will help guide future funding priorities and coordinated actions within PARC, bridging gaps between curiosity-driven, regulatory, and industrial toxicology, while fostering engagement with scientific societies and broader stakeholder communities.