Time is running, and we are already more than halfway through SYBERAC’s project lifetime! But don’t worry, we still have a lot of energy left:
Our first official publication is available, the Case Studies have started the next field research season, and our models are becoming better at predicting outcomes yet. We will have a large representation at SETAC Europe 2026 and are connecting to other projects all around us to solidify the concept of systems-based Environmental Risk Assessment.
Also, don't miss our interview with Ricardo Carapeto from AEMPS, the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices.
Have fun reading!
SYBERAC Research Highlights
Publication
MIND: A Strategic Platform for Advancing Chemical ERA
The transition from conventional practices to ecological realism in chemical risk assessment faces a significant hurdle: the "innovation-to-regulation" gap. Within the framework of PARC, the proposed MIND platform aims to build a collaborative bridge across disciplines and regulatory domains. By focusing on four pillars—Map, Integrate, Network, and Drive) the platform encourages the integration of fragmented initiatives into a unified ERA ecosystem.
This work, published in Environmental Sciences Europe (2026), highlights the importance of multi-sectoral alignment in protecting biodiversity. The article features contributions from several SYBERAC project members, underscoring the collaborative nature of modern ERA evolution.
Eva Alexandri, UOS, WP4, is currently in Coimbra performing toxicological experiments on honey bees to validate the BufferGUTS model in pulsed exposure, for 2.5 months (1st March-mid May). In June, she will go to UKCEH to perform toxicological experiments for the same reason on Osmia bicornis.
Aafke Saarloos and Barbara Righetto, WUR, Case Study 3,are performing their latest fieldwork on godwits and soil sampling in Extremadura, Spain with Spanish colleagues. Check the Case Study 3 page for all photos.
Save the Date: SETAC Europe 2026 in Maastricht
We are heading to the SETAC Europe 36th Annual Meeting (17–21 May 2026), and SYBERAC will be a big part of the Event!
We are proud to share that our Project Coordinator, Nico van den Brink, is stepping into a leadership role as a member of the Scientific Committee for the event. With Nico helping to shape the scientific agenda and a many researchers from SYBERAC attending, this is a great opportunity to see our systems-based approach in the spotlight.
Consortium Meeting: SYBERAC team prepares next steps
The SYBERAC team met online to discuss a systems-first approach, the current ERA landscape, developments in other projects, connecting our case studies to higher regulatory levels, advances in modelling within the project and its key exploitable results.
Building the Next Generation of Sustainable Pest and Chemical Risk Management
SYBERAC teamed up with six research projects for the online event “From Detection to Decision: Building the Next Generation of Sustainable Pest and Chemical Risk Management in Europe” on 17 March 2026. Here's the event's agenda, hosted by the NextGenBioPest project and co-organised by SYBERAC, FORSAID, SAGROPIA, EUFAWREADY, PataFEST, SAFWA. If you were busy with Saint Patrick's Day or otherwise and missed it, watch the recording!
Ricardo Carapeto from AEMPS (Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices) discusses the vital matrix between scientific research and regulatory action to protect wildlife from veterinary medicines. Read more about his insights on maintaining the delicate equilibrium between animal health and the protection of iconic species like vultures here.
