Working Groups
The ENKORE cluster was established in January 2024. Since its formation, the cluster has set up three working groups (WGs) with a special thematic focus to explore and exploit synergies and prevent redundancies among the participating projects. These WGs focus on key areas of shared interest: science-to-policy translation, data analysis, communication and dissemination, adverse outcomes pathways, and innovative technologies. Each WG is led by specific projects, with active participation from all other projects in the cluster.
WG1: Science translation for policy and practice
The Science translation for policy and practice Working Group aims to synthesise the findings and recommendations developed by the individual cluster projects and develop joint policy briefs and recommendations to inform EU policies and strategic priorities.
Specific objectives of the WG:
- Compiling and integrating research findings of the cluster projects into clear, actionable policy recommendations
- Tracking and analysing current policy trends
- Creating and distributing joint policy briefs and reports to inform decision-makers and the public about key findings and recommendation to promote the adoption of policies based on robust scientific evidence regarding EDCs
WG2: Data analysis/management and protection
The Data Analysis Working Group focuses on developing and applying advanced data analysis techniques, ensuring high standards in data management, and protecting sensitive information within ENKORE and across the five participating projects.
Specific objectives of the WG:
- Exchanging best practice approaches to data analysis techniques to extract meaningful insights on EDC-related health effects
- Discussing and evaluating data management solutions to maintain high data quality, accuracy, and reliability across all projects
- Providing instructions for data interoperability and facilitating exchange
- Developing a common data management plan for the cluster activities
WG3: Communication and Dissemination
The ENKORE Communication and Dissemination Working Group is dedicated to effectively sharing the cluster’s common findings and activities with diverse audiences. The WG defines the dissemination and communication strategy of the cluster and coordinates its implementation in alignment with the cluster coordinators.
Specific objectives of the WG:
- Raising awareness of the cluster and the participating projects and their aims, outcomes, and societal impacts
- Sharing knowledge about the health effects of EDCs
- Promoting results of the cluster and the individual projects to ensure uptake by relevant stakeholders
- Informing policy and decision-making processes by highlighting project findings and recommendations
WG4: Adverse Outcomes Pathways
The Adverse Outcomes Pathways Working Group focuses on the development of adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) to couple mechanistic data with adverse health outcomes, which is crucial for EDC identification and regulation. This working group will be co-leaded by MERLON and EDC-MASLD.
Specific objectives of the WG:
- Advance Mechanistic Understanding of Endocrine Disruptors
- Strengthen Regulatory Relevance and Implementation
- Leverage Computational and AI-Driven Approaches
- Promote Knowledge Sharing and Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration
- Support Mechanism-Based Risk Assessment for EDCs
- Filling gaps when developing new AOPs
WG5: Innovative technologies
The Innovative Technologies Working Group focuses on align the cluster research activities with leading chemical regulatory frameworks and aspects regarding validation and regulatory application of innovative technologies within the ENKORE projects.
Specific objectives of the WG:
- To collect innovative tools and methods for future applications and validation for regulatory use.
- To promote the assessment of the regulatory relevance and readiness level of novel technologies used within the ENKORE projects.
- Map these technologies to chemical regulatory frameworks.
- To disseminate information on emerging technologies and novel assays to stakeholders and regulators, highlighting their potential relevance for risk assessment and regulatory needs.
- Support AOP work within the cluster.
