We're excited to bring you the latest updates, insights, news, our ongoing research and collaborative efforts from the SYBERAC project.
This edition features:
SYBERAC project explainer video
Hands-On Science at Open Farm Sunday
Modelling subpage detailing the work of Work Package 3 (WP3).
Case Studies page with a new section on "Case Study Measurements" (tools and protocols) and released a new infographic for Case Study 4B
Beyond the research, we recently met in Cambridge for the project's midterm review meeting by the EC and Aarhus with the full project team, to plan our next steps.
Finally, gain expert insights from our interviews with leading experts sharing their vision for a holistic, systems-based future of environmental risk assessment.
Stay tuned for upcoming events and the latest news from the SYBERAC team!
SYBERAC Research Highlights
Our second field research season has ended, and all case studies have gathered and analysed data — some of which will go into the modelling work in work package 3. Read the full article on our website!
What is SYBERAC about? Watch our explainer video (under 3 minutes!) to learn how this EU-funded project is developing a unified, systems-based Environmental Risk Assessment (sb-ERA). SYBERAC aims to protect biodiversity by uniting scientists and regulators to explore new models for evaluating chemical impacts on terrestrial ecosystems and services.1 See how we are building a safer environmental future.
UKCEH Engages Public with SYBERAC Research at Open Farm Sunday
On June 9, 2025, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH)'s showcased the SYBERAC project's sustainable farming for RSPB's Open Farm Sunday at Hope Farm. Researchers highlighted creating habitats to counter pesticide risks. Over 60 guests used paper-based DNA barcoding to identify insects, bringing SYBERAC's molecular risk assessment work to life. The highlight of the event was a paper-based DNA barcoding activity, enabling guests to identify juvenile insects like moths and spiders, just as researchers do in the field. The DNA barcoding is also a method applied in the SYBERAC case study 1A and case study 5.
New Infographic: Case Study 4B The SYBERAC’s case studies have a brand-new addition: The infographic for Case Studies 4B.
You can access all finalised Case Study Infographics on the website's case study page. These engaging visuals cover case studies 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, and 3, and 4B:
The Case Studies page received another update: Alongside detailed descriptions of the case studies, the page now includes a section about“Case Study Measurements” offering direct access to the tools, protocols, and data collection methods used in the field.
Visit the updated Case Studies page to explore the new measurement resources!
SYBERAC’s new Modelling subpage dives into this question, showcasing the work of Work Package 3 (WP3), led by Stichting Wageningen Research. The WP team led by Louise Wipfler is developing advanced modelling tools to simulate how agrochemical exposure affects ecosystem services, species interactions, and bioaccumulation at landscape level.
The models are tightly integrated with SYBERAC’s case studies, creating a dynamic feedback loop between field data and predictive science with contributions from top institutions across Europe, including Osnabrück University (UOS), Stichting Wageningen Research (WENR), University of Castilla–La Mancha (UCLM) and Aarhus University (AU).
The SYBERAC consortium recently held a Review Meeting in Cambridge and a Consortium Meeting in Aarhus. The Cambridge review was conducted by the European Commission (EC) Project Officer, Francesca Gardenghi, and the reviewers, Christina Emmanouil and Jason Weeks. It was informed by a Hope Farm visit (real-world farming/biodiversity context) and successfully set the strategic course for the second project half. The Aarhus meeting focused on internal alignment, integrating field research with modelling to prepare the policy proposal for a new, systems-based Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) framework.
Dive into the detailed reports to discover the strategic plan and how complex data is building the project’s idea for systems-based environmental risk assessment.
Georgie Bray, Farm Manager at the RSPB's Hope Farm and SYBERAC Stakeholder, shares her approach to nature-friendly farming, the farm's role as a demonstration and research site, and her collaboration with the SYBERAC project here, in SYBERAC's first "Stakeholder Story"!
Sabine Duquesne & Oliver Weisner, experts in environmental risk assessment, share their innovative approaches, key challenges, and vision for a holistic, systems-based future. Explore their insights on bridging knowledge gaps, and driving impact on biodiversity protection here.
Natasha Mølgaard emphasises the importance of integration of social sciences into environmental research. Read more about her expert opinion on international collaboration, global partners engagement and emerging trends in future research here.
Joost Lahr discusses changes in environmental risk assessment and ecological challenges. Read more about his view on the contribution of the SYBERAC case studies and an outlook on critical areas of research for future challenges here.
Melanie Gibbs gives insight into insect biodiversity and species pesticide sensitivity. Find out more about her work in the project and inspirations for her research focus here.
Kai Bester reveals the risks of using sewage sludge as fertilizer and its threat to biodiversity. Learn more about his point of view of the research within the case studies and its significant contribution to SYBERAC´s objectives here.
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Yordas Group, Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, Lancashire LA14YQ, United Kingdom
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