Bridging the gaps in nanosafety for animal-free prediction of adverse outcomes

Jožef Stefan Institute is the leading Slovenian research organisation. It is responsible for a broad spectrum of basic and applied research in the fields of natural sciences and technology. In Laboratory of Biophysics,  we are responsible for quantitative detection of dynamics of early key events in vitro with advanced optical microscopy methods, and for development of new in vitro models.

Role in the project:

Quantitative detection of dynamics of early key events with in vitro high-resolution & high-throughput advanced optical microscopy methods and development of new in vitro models.

Main contact persons:

Iztok Urbančič and Tilen Koklič

Infinite is a research - focused biotech spin-out from the Jožef Stefan Institute and a leading developer of predictive toxicology technology based on in vitro molecular event quantification and in silico time propagation.

Role in the project:

Infinite is responsible for developing animal test alternatives for chronic lung inflammation utilizing predictive toxicology technology.

Main contact person:

Janez Štrancar

Helmholtz Munich develops solutions for a healthier future. 

Role in the project:

Develop and optimise in vitro models to mimic AOP-relevant key events 
Identification of early key events with in vivo intravital microscopy 

Main contact person:

Dr. Tobias Stöger and Prof. Markus Rehberg

The National Research Centre for the Working Environment (NFA) is a government research institute under the Danish Ministry of Employment which conducts research at the highest international level to:

• provide consultancy services within the institute’s core areas
• perform development work with a clear social aim
• disseminate research-based knowledge to workplaces, authorities, the social partners and safety consultants
• participate in the training of researchers and educational activities at the universities within its core areas.

Role in the project:

• AOP development
• In vivo studies for validation of in vitro models
• development of in vitro models for prediction of nanomaterial toxicity

Main contact persons:

Ulla Vogel and Jorid Sørli 

STAMI is the National Institute of Occupational Health in Norway. It is responsible for providing research-base knowledge on the Norwegian working life in order to prevent illness and promote good health among workers.

Role in the project:

Development of in vitro and in silico models, providing industrial test nanomaterials.

Main contact person:

Johanna Samulin Erdem 

Lund University conduct research to increase our understanding of the world, make complex issues comprehensible, and address global challenges. The Lund University strategic research area NanoLund is a cross-disciplinary research organization specializing in various areas of nanoscience, among those Nanosafety.

Role in the project:

ULUND is responsible for characterizing, collecting, and distributing the industrial materials for validation of results and to prove relevance and usability for industry, and for an extended characterization of workplace exposures and risk management plan.

Main contact person:

Christina Isaxon

National University of Ireland, University College Dublin

Role in the project:

In silico characterisation of nanomaterials, development of models for prediction of nanomaterial toxicity.

Main contact person:

Vladimir Lobaskin

The Nanotechnology Industries Association (NIA) is the cross-sectoral, responsible voice for nanotechnology value chains and the global commercial eco-system.

Main contact person:

Sean Kelly

Alpacem is the only Slovenian cement producer

Role in the project:

Alpacem – Industrial partner, provide access to the facility, decide collection locations in the production line for collection of industrial nano materials.

Main contact person:

Tereza Pahor