Since its launch in 1999, the Cefic-Long-Range Research Initiative has pioneered independent, transparent, and high-quality research to address pressing societal challenges, including environmental emissions, persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity (PBT), human biomonitoring, and advancing alternatives to animal testing. LRI has transformed ambitious ideas into actionable solutions, delivering tools, methodologies, and insights trusted by industry, academia, and regulatory bodies worldwide. These efforts have delivered tangible impacts— advancing chemical safety assessments.
To celebrate our quarter of a century milestone, we curated an inspiring programme to explore the future of research and innovation in chemical safety assessments.
Opening remarks celebrating LRI’s impactful tools and guidelines were made by Cefic Innovation Executive Director, Dr. Daniel Witthaut and ECETOC Secretary General, Blanca Serrano.
Prof. Dr. Ellen Fritsche, Director of the Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT) and 2006 LRI Innovative Science Awardee, delivered a thought-provoking keynote, Mapping the Future with New Approach Methods: Case Study of Developmental Neurotoxicity. Her insights underscored the vital role of collaboration between academia and regulatory sectors in advancing chemical safety.
The panel discussion, Mapping the Future: Innovative and Sustainable Approaches to Chemical Safety Assessments, moderated by Cefic Product Stewardship Manager, Francesca Trivelloni, brought together distinguished experts:
- Björn Hidding, Senior Specialist for Chemical Strategy for Sustainability, BASF
- Dr. Sofie Nørager, Deputy Head of Unit, Directorate General for Research and Innovation, European Commission
- Ana Fernández Agudo, M.S., Risk Assessment Unit, National Environmental Health Center, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación
- Dr. Sivani Baskaran, Environmental Chemist, Post-Doctoral Researcher, Norwegian Geotechnical Institute
The discussion explored innovative strategies for sustainable chemical safety assessments, emphasising collaboration, global harmonisation of regulations, and data sharing to bridge gaps between regulatory requirements, scientific progress, and societal needs.
This event showcased how partnerships between academia, industry, and policymakers continue to drive research and innovation and set the course for a sustainable future.
You can discover LRI’s achievements over the past 25 years and vision for the future with the anniversary book which traces the programme’s journey in advancing chemical safety.
The book is available here.
25 Year Event Photo Gallery:
