“In order to attain the impossible, one must attempt the absurd.”
[Miguel de Cervantes]
The Medical University of Innsbruck (MUI) is a modern research institution with a rich history dating back to 1669. Originally part of the University of Innsbruck, it became an independent university in 2004. Located in the heart of the Alps, it is a leading center for medical research, education, and healthcare in western Austria. With around 3,400 students and 2,200 employees, the university is dedicated to high-quality teaching, world-class research, and advancements in medicine.
Within the MUI, the Regulatory Science Group, led by Dr. Martin Paparella, focuses on bridging science and chemical regulation. The group actively participates in various European projects aimed at integrating non-animal methods into chemical safety assessment, advancing regulatory toxicology and sustainable risk evaluation.
“One of the most exciting aspects of working on the CHIASMA project is the opportunity to contribute to the future of chemical safety assessment by integrating cutting-edge non-animal methods. Collaborating with international experts across multiple disciplines fosters innovative thinking and a shared vision for safer and more sustainable chemical regulation. The project’s dynamic nature allows for rapid learning, with each discussion and collaboration offering new insights. Being part of this transformative initiative not only advances scientific research but also bridges the gap between science and policy, making a real-world impact.”
[Ishita Virmani, researcher in the MUI Regulatory Science Group]
MUI’s Role in the CHIASMA Project
Within the CHIASMA project, the Regulatory Science Group of the Medical University of Innsbruck (MUI) is leading the work at the regulatory science interface. MUI’s key role is in Work Packages (WP) 6 and 7, working closely with EMPA to innovate safety assessment approaches and integrate this with current regulatory work at the regulatory OECD level and beyond.
MUI’s contributes to designing the integration of Next-Generation Safety Assessment (NGSA) with Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA), to characterizing the models and data for harmonization and standardization expert groups and to engaging with multiple stakeholders. This work supports the development of a science-driven, regulatory-ready framework for safer and more sustainable chemical innovation.
