Universities and research institutes develop and validate new scientific methods which can become the basis for future OECD Test Guidelines.
Universities and research centres can identify new techniques and test methods that can be beneficial for regulatory purposes
Universities and research centres can contribute to the project definition with their expertise if they are part of a leading institution or (Ad Hoc) Expert Group
Universities and research centres can participate in interlaboratory comparisons for validation of the method
Universities and research centres can provide experts for (Ad Hoc) Expert Group
Universities and research centres can contribute to the commenting of OECD documents or provide support to reply to the comments part of the (Ad Hoc) Expert Group
Universities and research centres can identify possibilities for updating OECD TGs/GDs depending on new method developments
Universities and research centres are working on different scientific questions within different fields of research. They develop new materials as well as new methods or work towards the further development of test methods.
Universities and research centres identify new techniques and method developments that can be beneficial for regulatory purposes. They can:
contribute to the project definition with their expertise or be one of the leading institutions associated with a project.
develop and validate test methods.
Contribute with their expertise to the commenting of OECD documents via National Coordinators or direct involvement in expert groups.
Identify possibilities for updating OECD Test Guidelines or other related documents depending on new method developments.
Universities and research centres can participate in research projects and thereby receive (third-party) funding for developing test methods and establishing the scientific basis for OECD TG/GD developments.
Universities (University of Plymouth, University of Vienna)
National research centres (e.g. Leibniz Institutes, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology in the United Kingdom)
Bring new method developments to the regulatory arena
New networks and opportunities created during development (e.g. interaction with National Coordinators and experts)
Gaining valuable experience (e.g. to find a job in industry or risk assessment)
Papers are cited more if they are useful for regulators (e.g. for an OECD dossier)
Production of regulatory usable science, i.e. your science will be used (e.g. Mutual Acceptance of the Data)
Identification of new fields and scientific questions (e.g. new endpoints, new materials, new safety assessments)
Receive funding for regulatory-relevant research
Contribution to a safer and more sustainable world
Implementation and sustainable use of methods
Results and outcomes from some EU projects have contributed to the development of OECD TGs, GDs, and other documents (e.g. IATA case studies).
The project consortia sometimes contribute to the project definition.
Research projects often receive funding for the development of the scientific basis for OECD TGs, GDs, and other documents.
Research projects are consortia consisting of different universities, research centres, industry, CROs, consultants, and other stakeholders that received (third party) funding to elaborate and answer specific research questions.
Research projects mainly serve by providing scientific background for Test Guideline (TG) development, e.g. Standard Operating Procedures, and supporting validation of test methods in the development phase at the OECD. They can support bringing experts together, organising stakeholder engagement and exchange between different TG developers. Furthermore, they can establish frameworks and infrastructures within which the scientific basis for OECD TGs or other related documents (e.g. Guidance documents) can be developed.
Research projects receive funding mainly for the development and/or the validation of regulatory-relevant test methods as well as for their application in case studies, which can provide the basis for regulatory application.
Often the writing of OECD TGs/GDs, the commenting phase and the tasks for coordinating the exchange with experts etc. are not covered by the funding and need to be acquired differently (e.g. by in-kind contribution).
Bring new method developments to the regulatory arena
New networks and opportunities created during development (e.g. interaction with National Coordinators and experts)
Gaining valuable experience (e.g. to find a job in industry or risk assessment)
Papers are cited more if they are useful for regulators (e.g. for an OECD dossier)
Production of regulatory usable science, i.e. science will be used (e.g. Mutual Acceptance of the Data)
Identification of new fields and scientific questions (e.g. new endpoints, new materials, new safety assessments)
Receive funding for regulatory-relevant research
Contribution to a safer and more sustainable world
Implementation and sustainable use of methods
Research networks contribute to the coordination of project ideas
Research networks can assist in the project definition phase by bringing together experts from different fields.
Research networks can contribute to the commenting rounds by bringing together experts
Research networks can bring forward the need for new development or updating of TGs
Research networks bring together scientists from academia, regulatory research institutes and industry with a strong focus on the exchange of knowledge and information.
Research networks can further synergies between different projects working towards test method development and OECD TG/GD development. They help bring experts together, bridge between different scientific communities, and provide training and support towards the development of OECD TG, GD and other OECD documents.
Research networks usually receive no funding for their involvement in the OECD TG development process. Members and supporters do all work as in-kind contributions.
NanoSafetyCluster
The EU NanoSafety Cluster maximises the synergies between European-level projects addressing the safety of materials and technologies enabled by the use of nanoforms. The studied aspects include toxicology, ecotoxicology, exposure assessment, mechanisms of interaction, risk assessment and standardisation. The Cluster is an initiative of the European Commission Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD), which sponsors these large projects. Overall, Europe targets safe and sustainable nanomaterials and nanotechnology innovations. Cluster projects contribute to assuring environmental health and safety (EHS) of this key enabling technology. The Cluster also is an open platform for dialogue and exchange between researchers, regulators, administrators, industry, and civil society representatives.
Connecting additional scientists and experts to broaden the research network
Enlarge the outreach of the research network and establish the sustainability of the work