Session 23

Overall, risk assessment in the 21st century is focusing on pragmatic ways to comply with regulation while minimizing the reliance on animal testing and at the same time not underestimating hazard. Progress is being made with new tools, methodologies and data sets, with a distinction between short term and longer term more sustainable solutions. These new approaches and methodologies have been discussed in many general sessions on the topic. This informal session will provide a different perspective by focusing on practical hands on aspects and will draw on the experience of those in the front line from different sectors to highlight challenges and opportunities of using these novel data sets in risk assessment. The session will open by demonstrating the HESI Risk 21 tool, created to address a needed transition in toxicology, exposure and risk assessment methodology and communication.  The second talk will highlight the current state of the science and how it might progress with an emphasis on the development of non-animal methods.  The third talk will present early results from the Horizon 2020 EUTox Risk Project, which intends to be a flagship for animal-free chemical safety assessment.  Building on this, the fourth talk will consider how to apply new science and tools but from a regulatory perspective.  The session will conclude by presenting the results of ongoing research being generated in support of REACH registrations.   In summary, much has been said about ongoing research programmes and the potential of new methodologies; the session will focus on presenting results, examples and outcomes from practicing toxicologists.