The Fourth SYNnet Workshop on synergies with external initiatives, held on 19 November 2025, marked an important milestone in fostering collaborations between PARC and the ExpoHealthNet ↗ cluster. Delegates from five pioneering Horizon Europe projects – EXPOSIM, UPRISE, MARKOPOLO, ENVESOME, and EXPOSIGNALZ – joined PARC experts to identify opportunities for aligning work, exchanging knowledge, and exploring future collaborations.

In her remarks, Sónia Namorado, from the National Institute of Health Dr Ricardo Jorge ↗, Portugal, captured the essence of the event, saying: 

The SYNnet Workshop clearly demonstrated the innovative spirit and collaborative energy within the chemical risk assessment community. The dialogue with the ExpoHealthNet cluster is a powerful example of our commitment to building a stronger, more collaborative European research landscape in chemical risk assessment.

The dynamic exchanges and presentations during the workshop fostered new connections, underscoring a shared dedication to scientific excellence and practical impact. 

Connecting PARC and ExpoHealthNet creates opportunities for innovative science translation and practical risk management approaches. The engagement highlighted at this meeting will pave the way for meaningful synergies for healthier environments and communities, added Nikiforos Alygizakis, from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens ↗, Greece.

Participants identified several opportunities for collaboration between PARC and the ExpoHealthNet cluster, including:

• Joint work to characterise environmental exposures and their health effects on workers from the e-waste industry, as well as on vulnerable population groups such as pregnant women.
• FAIR data management and scientific knowledge sharing concerning NAMs, in vitro models, and methods to assess neurotoxicity and other hazardous endpoints.
• Development of joint policy recommendations to inform European and national strategies on environmental health risks.
• Using PARCopedia as a common discussion forum for the exchange of ideas.
• Motivating junior researchers to integrate into the PARC Junior community.

Stay tuned as PARC and ExpoHealthNet build on these foundations towards a safer chemical future for Europe. For more information, visit the ExpoHealthNet cluster website and the individual project websites linked above.