On 3-4 March 2025, PARC hosted the remote training course "Use and interpretation of the results of in silico models and read-across", aimed at strengthening expertise in predictive toxicology. This training was coordinated by Istituto Mario Negri ↗ (IRFMN), Italy, under the scientific leadership of Emilio Benfenati, and provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of in silico models and read-across techniques, using VEGAHUB as a key platform for practical applications.

With a great number of applications, the course, on 3-4 March 2025, welcomed 64 participants from 25 nationalities across 20 countries. The diverse audience included professionals from academia, research and development, industry, and regulatory bodies. Notably, only one-third of the attendees were directly involved in PARC, demonstrating the broad reach and relevance of this training beyond the partnership.

The first day of the course began with a general introduction to in silico models and read-across methodologies. Participants explored the advantages and limitations of these models, including key components such as data processing, chemical information, algorithms, and validation processes. Participants also explored how to integrate read-across with in silico models to enhance the reliability of assessments.

The second day, the training took a more specialised approach, allowing participants to delve deeper into various applications of in silico models. These sessions covered a wide range of critical areas, including the assessment of physico-chemical and environmental properties, ecotoxicological properties, mutagenicity and genotoxicity, endocrine disruption, and cosmetic evaluation and the identification of safer alternatives. Throughout the course, participants were encouraged to critically analyse data from different lines of evidence and apply the tools presented to their own research and regulatory needs.

In the coming weeks, a recording of the first-day session will become available as an open educational material, listed in the PARC repository of learning and educational materials, currently in its final development phase.

The strong interest and engagement from the risk assessment community highlight the growing demand for expertise in in silico models and read-across. 

Given the strong interest from the risk assessment community in this training, we will be offering a second session of this course later this year, 

highlighted Emilio Benfenati, the course coordinator.

More details will be shared soon, and those interested are encouraged to visit the PARC website for updates on future training opportunities and access to course materials.

Read more about the related PARC activities here.