Search

18 results

News

Strengthening practical skills in in silico models: Highlights from the 2nd PARC training on exercises on results of in silico models and read-across using VEGAHUB

On 18-19 May 2026, the Istituto Mario Negri (IRFM) , Italy, delivered the second edition of the PARC remote training course “Exercises on results of in silico models and read-across using VEGAHUB”. Organised as part of the second PARC Training Plan, the course brought together 42 participants from 21 countries...

Training - 3rd in silico models and read-across

Join the PARC remote course on in silico models and read-across using VEGAHUB (2nd edition)

PARC is organising the second edition of the remote training course on “Exercises on results of in silico models and read-across using VEGAHUB – Examples related to cosmetics and ecotoxicological and environmental properties”, continuing its series of hands-on trainings focused on the practical interpretation and application of in silico tools...

PARC training - in silico models and read across

Empowering the risk assessment community: PARC’s in silico models and read-across training

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...

Training - 2nd in silico models and read-across

PARC online training: exercises with in silico models and read-across using VEGAHUB

PARC is organising a second remote training course on in silico models and read-across, this time focusing on hands-on interpretation and practical application using the VEGAHUB platform. The training will take place on 23-24 October 2025, with morning or afternoon sessions depending on participant numbers. The course is coordinated by...

7 results

Events

Exercises on results of in silico models and read-across using VEGAHUB – Examples related to cosmetics and ecotoxicological and environmental properties

Exercises with in silico models and read-across using VEGAHUB

In silico models and read-across

PARC organised a remote training course on In Silico Models and Read-Across, which took place from 3 to 4 March 2025 under the scientific coordination of the Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri (IRFMN), Italy. The program introduced participants to the principles, applications, and limitations of in silico models, with...

21st International Workshop on Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships in Environmental and Health Sciences

The 21 st International Workshop on Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships (QSAR2025) will convene from 3 to 6 June 2025 at the Mario Negri Institute in Milan, Italy. This biennial event gathers researchers from academia and industry, regulators, and stakeholders worldwide to discuss advancements and applications of QSAR methodologies in health and...

3 results

Thematic areas

Building infrastructure and human capacities:

Harmonised QA/QC in laboratory testing

Check out how we work towards increased harmonisation of quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) in chemical analysis and toxicity testing to ensure that monitoring and hazard data generated in PARC are reliable, consistent, and comparable.

Risk assessments:

Hazard assessment

Learn new approaches and methods of health assessment and provide data to fill gaps in knowledge on poorly characterised contaminants or new emerging hazards while promoting the use of innovative methods.

Tools & resources:

Innovative methods & tools

Learn how we are boosting innovation for modelling exposure and risks and monitoring chemicals in both human and environmental matrices.

9 results

Projects

Developing and testing new approaches for chemical exposure assessment of infants

Key messages Assessing chemical exposure at early stage of life is still a challenge. Today, new tools are available that enhance chemical exposure assessment. Efforts are ongoing to refine and clarify the applicability and effectiveness of these approaches. Their value in chemical prioritisation and contribution to early warning systems has...

New tools to assess fish thyroid disruption

Overview This project develops and tests an Adverse Outcome Pathway ( AOP) network approach to identify thyroid hormone system disrupting chemicals (THSDCs) in fish. It fills critical gaps in current tools by integrating in silico, in vitro, and in vivo fish test data within a tiered testing strategy aligned with...

New directions in systems toxicology for chemical safety

Overview This project focuses on improving how to assess the safety of chemical by applying advanced scientific methods that reduce the need for animal testing. It is supporting regulatory decisions by identifying chemicals that may harm human health or the environment. The central focus is using the Adverse Outcome Pathway...

Better tools to spot hidden cancer risks

Key messages The battery of genotoxicity in vitro assays is sensitive for the detection of genotoxic carcinogens, but the multifactorial nature of the carcinogenesis process greatly hinders the detection of non-genotoxic carcinogens. The overarching aim of this project is to improve human carcinogenic evaluation in vitro based on reliable and...

19 results

Publications

A framework for chemical hazard assessments under 'Safe and Sustainable by Design' using multiple in silico tools

The hazard identification of chemicals is a key step of the ‘Safe and Sustainable by Design’ (SSbD) framework introduced by the European Commission, aiming to eliminate hazardous substances early in innovation. In this context, in silico methods such as (Quantitative) Structure-Activity Relationship ((Q)SAR) models offer rapid, cost-effective, and animal-free alternatives...

Ecotoxicological evaluation of Bisphenol A and alternatives: A comprehensive in silico modelling approach

Bisphenol A (BPA), a compound widely used in industrial applications, has raised concerns due to its environmental impact. As a key component in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins used in many consumer products, concerns about potential harm to human health and the environment are unavoidable. This study...

Unravelling immunomodulatory effects of bisphenol A substitutes on human macrophages, T and B lymphocytes using in vitro models

This study investigates the immunomodulatory effects of BPA substitutes using in silico and in vitro approaches. A comprehensive in silico screening with Endocrine Disruptome of BPA and its 25 substitutes revealed that BPG, BPS-MAE, BPS-MPE, BPPH and PF201 have the highest potential to bind nuclear receptors. Based on the in...

A 2024 inventory of test methods relevant to thyroid hormone system disruption for human health and environmental regulatory hazard assessment

Thyroid hormone system disruption (THSD) is a growing concern in chemical hazard assessment due to its impact on human and environmental health and the scarce methods available for assessing the THSD potential of chemicals. In particular, the general lack of validated in silico and in vitro methods for assessing THS...

4 results

Learning materials

In silico models: assessment of the results of the VEGA models within an exercise of the PARC project

An overview of in silico approaches in PARC, highlighting VEGA software and integrated platforms for assessing chemical properties aligned with SSbD principles.

Use and interpretation of in silico models and read-across

An in-depth look at the development and validation of QSAR models for chemical risk assessment, covering molecular descriptors, statistical modeling techniques, applicability domains, and the principles guiding regulatory acceptance.

Improving mixtures health assessments: Combining in silico with in vitro/in vivo models to evaluate co-occurring contaminants

The webinar focus on methods to evaluate combined exposures and chemical mixtures, using computer models and in vivo/in vitro testing.

Risk Assessment of combined exposure to multiple chemicals

Focuses on risk assessment of combined chemical exposures, highlighting approaches like AOPs, TK/TD models, and in silico methods for regulated products and contaminants.