After dedicated efforts behind the scenes, the ASPA-NGRA expert workshop finally took place in Berlin two weeks ago, bringing together a dynamic group of scientists, regulators, and stakeholders for two days of focused, hands-on discussions. The event centered on refining and applying the ASPA workflow within real-world Next-Generation Risk Assessment (NGRA) contexts.
The workshop created a highly collaborative environment, sparking meaningful exchanges on how the ASPA framework can effectively support regulatory decision-making and help accelerate the transition toward a more human-relevant, animal-free approach to chemical safety assessment.
We extend our sincere thanks to all participants for their engagement and expertise, which greatly contributed to the success of the event. Special recognition goes to Mirjam Luijten (RIVM National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) and Matthias Herzler (BfR – German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment) for their leading roles in organizing and shaping the scientific program, along with the local BfR organizing team for their outstanding logistical support.
We are also grateful to our consortium partners for their valuable contributions, including Bob van de Water (Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, University of Leiden), Marcel Leist (University of Konstanz), and our colleagues from the broader ASPIS cluster, Rafael Gozalbes (ONTOX) and John Colbourne (PrecisionTox), who delivered insightful presentations.
The discussions led to the identification of clear follow-up actions, and we are excited to continue advancing this important work in the weeks to come.
Stay tuned for further updates as the ASPA-NGRA initiative progresses.