PARC has launched a dedicated website for the Integrative Model Network for chemical risk assessment, representing an important step toward supporting the modernisation of chemical risks assessment. Designed as an evolving hub for researchers, regulators, and other stakeholders, the platform provides access to chemical risk assessment workflows integrating data and modelling tools across various domains, including exposure science, epidemiology, toxicology and new approach methodologies (NAMs). This initiative will allow users to search these to identify the best fit for specific assessment needs.

As chemical exposures pose increasingly complex challenges to human and environmental health, effective and transparent risk assessment depends on cross-domain integration. The Integrative Model Network was developed to meet this need by harmonising and connecting modeling tools in a structured, user-oriented framework.

With the Integrative Model Network, we are leveraging existing EU infrastructures to connect diverse modelling tools and data sources for chemical risk assessment, drawn from different activities and contexts. By actively harmonizing them, we enable multi-domain collaboration. This provides a foundation for an integrated and transparent approach to chemical risk assessment. - highlighted Jasper Engel (Wageningen Research, NL)

Our focus has been on making complex tools and workflows accessible, interoperable, and practical for the risk assessment community. The network is designed to support scientific, regulatory and other interested communities in connecting mechanistically data across various domains of the chemical risk assessment and the environmental health impact continuum - added Spyros Karakitsios

A collaborative and iterative framework

The development of the model network follows a dual strategy:

• bottom-up by implementing practical model workflows within real-world PARC case studies, and
• top-down, by defining an overarching conceptual and technical framework that is iteratively refined based on lessons learned in implementation.

This approach ensures that the model network is both grounded in application and scalable to broader regulatory and research contexts.

Case studies driving development

Current case studies that shape the network include HBM-based mixture risk assessment, aggregate exposure modeling, environmental burden of disease assessment, QSAR-based chemical grouping, source-to-outcome pathway, NAM data assimilation, and uncertainty analyses.

Tool catalogue and FAIR workflows

The website features a curated and growing inventory of modeling tools and workflows, with metadata-driven search. With this, the model network emphasises usability and transparency, making it easier for scientists and regulators to identify and connect relevant tools and datasets across domains.

Looking ahead: A sustainable and scalable ecosystem

Designed with sustainability at its core, the Integrative Model Network aligns with the PARC Chemical Risk Assessment Hub and external e-infrastructures to ensure long-term utility. In the future, the model network will enable connections under the One substance, one assessment (OSOA) regulation. It will also support alignment with regulatory bodies and Next Generation Risk Assessment.

The network will continue to evolve, offering:

• a structured overview of risk assessment tools,
• operational workflows across research fields,
• enhanced interoperability and reuse of models,
• reduced redundancy and improved collaboration across sectors.

By providing a flexible, scalable, and science-driven platform, the Integrative Model Network is positioned to become a cornerstone of European and international chemical risk assessment efforts.

Explore the website here ↗.