Chairs: Rita Ortega-Vallbona & Luiz Ladeira
Early-career researchers (ECRs) are at the forefront of innovation in toxicology and next-generation risk assessment. Within major European initiatives such as the ASPIS cluster (comprising the ONTOX, Risk-Hunt3r, and PrecisionTox projects), the European Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC), and the consortium for Developing and implementing VIrtual Control groups To reducE animal use in toxicology Research (VICT3R), ECRs have established dedicated communities including the ASPIS Academy, PARC Junior Community and VICT3R ESR network.
This interactive lunch session brings together these communities to foster exchange, networking, and collaboration among young scientists. Representatives from each network will provide short introductory presentations highlighting their missions, ongoing activities, and opportunities for engagement across academia, industry, and regulatory science.
This session will include an interactive segment to gather participants‘ perspectives on their needs, expectations, and challenges as ECR, encouraging open discussion and shared reflection.
By creating a space for dialogue and peer exchange, this session aims to strengthen connections across European initiatives, identify shared priorities, and explore how ECR communities can better support the next generation of scientists in toxicology and chemical safety.
This session aligns with ESTIV’s long-lasting support of ECRs by promoting visibility, interaction, and cross-network collaboration.
Speakers
- Rita Ortega-Vallbona – The ASPIS Academy: Empowering the next generation of toxicologists
- Katya Manuella Permana – PARC Junior Community: The Early-Stage Researcher community of the Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC)
- Julia Matyjasiak – Introduction to VICT3R ESR network