The PARC Work Package 5 (WP5) “Hazard assessment” Annual Meeting has successfully concluded after three energising days. Held from 12 to 14 May 2025 in Oslo and hosted by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health ↗ (NIPH), the event brought together over 100 in-person participants and 60 online attendees, representing 44 institutions across Europe, including ECHA ↗ and EFSA ↗. The hybrid meeting offered a unique opportunity to review progress, strengthen cross-border collaborations, and shape the future direction of hazard assessment within PARC.

Reflecting on progress

The first day was dedicated to sharing updates from ongoing WP5 projects. With many projects entering their final year, there was high interest in emerging results, particularly those addressing data gaps related to toxins and BPA alternatives.

Planning for the future

The second day focused on the transition to PARC's second phase. New projects launched in May 2025 were presented alongside proposals for uncoming initiatives. These discussions helped expanding our expert network and refining annual work plans, ensuring WP5 continues to respond to evolving scientific and regulatory priorities.

Connecting the dots

On the final day, the spotlight turned to synergies between WP5 and other key PARC areas, including sustainability, training needs, communication, exposure and monitoring, and innovation in regulatory risk assessment. Notably, EFSA and ECHA shared expectations from the regulatory perspectives and emphasized the importance of ensuring that WP5 outputs are applicable and impactful.

It was very exciting to see all the regulatory-relevant results generated during the first 3 years of PARC, mainly produced by PhD students, said Gilles Riviere (ANSES), WP5 co-leader.

It is impressive to see that PARC is really closing existing data gaps to make sure that Europeans are safe from exposure to hazardous compounds like mycotoxins, added Philip Marx-Stölting (BfR), co-leading WP5.

Spotlight on research excellence

A major highlight of the event was the poster sessions, featuring 50 posters across three core WP5 tasks. Presenters introduced their work through engaging elevator pitches, showcasing the creativity and dedication of young researchers.  The community also voted for their favourite, and the Poster Award – presented and supported by the PARC Junior Community – celebrated standout contributions. Congratulations to the winner, and a big thanks to all who participated!

Our twelve initial projects may be ending, but their value is just beginning – carried forward into the RegNAMs initiative that will facilitate the uptake of new approach methods into validation, highlighted Kiara Aiello Holden (BfR), from the WP5 Coordination Team.

It’s inspiring to see the commitment, knowledge, and creativity within the WP5 community. Meetings like this remind us why collaboration matters, reinforced Celia Garcia Arenas (BfR), also from the coordination.

Meeting Booklet available

Don’t miss the Meeting Booklet, which includes the detailed agenda and all poster abstracts – now available online ↗!

The WP5 Coordination Team extends its sincere thanks to all presenters, participants, and contributors. Your commitment and collaboration continue to drive our shared mission forward.