New Approach Methodologies in toxicology: ILSI Europe launches training for industry experts

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In the ever-evolving landscape of modern science and research, staying ahead of the curve is a necessity. The field of toxicological hazard and risk assessment for Food Safety is experiencing a shift towards New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) - replacement technologies for use in assessing chemical or drug toxicity-, which are increasingly being used for regulatory decision making by agencies worldwide. Professionals across various industries are becoming keen to embrace these new approaches because of their potential to reliably and efficiently produce toxicological information while reducing traditional animal testing. In response to this burgeoning demand, ILSI Europe is excited to announce the launch of a comprehensive training course designed to empower industry experts with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate NAMs and predictive models effectively.

Aim of the course

The course aims at providing state-of-the-art knowledge on the recent developments in toxicological hazard and risk assessment, with an emphasis on the application in food safety. A limited number of lectures will provide insights in these developments, emphasizing the role of so-called New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). In a paper published by an expert group of ILSI Europe in 2016, a flow sheet was presented where the role of different aspects of the process of risk or safety assessment, avoiding the use of animal models. Integrating these aspects, ranging from interpreting knowledge on the chemistry of compounds (of mixtures), exposure, in vitro toxicity and kinetic behaviour, may result in the possibility to predict safety. Course participants will apply the presented flow sheet for a selection of food ingredients in case studies. During the 2-day intensive, in person training a manuscript with be drafted to publish the results of the case studies; Participants have the option to be co-author of this publication.

Register before 30 April 2024!

Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your knowledge, gain new skills and network with professionals from the field of toxicology and risk assessment.

Trainers:

  • Prof B. Blaauboer, University Of Utrecht, NL
  • Prof M. Vinken, Free University Brussels, BE
  • Prof N. Kramer, Wagening University, NL (tbc)
  • Dr C. Krul, University of Applied Sciences of Utrecht, NL (tbc)

Lectures:

  • General overview of hazard and risk assessment procedures, past and future.
  • Cytotoxicity, how to measure it and how to interpret it
  • Understanding mechanisms of action of toxicity: Adverse Outcome Pathways
  • Understanding the kinetic behaviour of chemicals in biological systems (in vitro as well as in vivo): short intro in Physiologically-based kinetic modelling (PBK)
  • Quantitative In Vitro-In Vivo extrapolation (QIVIVE).
  • Case studies: Participants will apply the flow sheet for food and ingredients. If you wish to test the scheme on your own data, you are welcome to bring them.

Participants

The course is open to all industry experts involved in toxicological risk assessment of compounds, mainly but not exclusively of compounds in food or food ingredients. Seats: Minimum 5 / Maximum 15.

Training format

Two online webinars will be held in May 2024, followed by two days of in-person training in July 2024.
The in-person training sessions will be held in ILSI Europe's office in Brussels.
The dates of the webinars and sessions will be announced as soon as they are confirmed.

Cost

  • Participant from an ILSI Europe member company: 2.000€
  • Participant from a non-member company: 2.500€

The cost includes the training materials, the meals for the in-person training days (2 lunches and 1 dinner), and the publication fee. Travel and accommodation will not be covered.

Invoices will be sent once the minimum number of participants is reached and course is confirmed.

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