3. HOLISTIC RISK ASSESSMENTUnderstanding the context and delivering and communicating impactful science
Holistic risk assessment uses insights from society, explores the use of latest technologies and relies on outstanding scientific expertise. Coupled with evidence‐based risk communication, these elements allow delivery of impactful scientific advice meeting expectations of citizens. This research stream will focus on understanding the societal context in which science is delivered, as well as how that science can be strengthened ‐ through the use of big data and innovative tools in the risk assessment process and by building a generation of experts who are able to use evidence from different disciplines. To understand the context, research will focus on understanding citizens’ awareness, perceptions and behaviour, integrate risks and benefits, while at the same time promoting education and mobility of experts to acquire transdisciplinary expertise.
Themes	Impact
Social research to understand citizens’ awareness, perceptions and behaviour in the area of food safety	Insights from social research will help identify right timing and adequate methods of engaging with society during the risk assessment process Understanding citizen's perceptions will inform risk communication which, on evidence‐base, will employ a tailored approach to meet the information needs of target audiences Improvements to the way science is communicated will contribute to accountability and trustworthiness of regulatory bodies Traditional quantitative and qualitative methods will be complemented with tools such as social media analysis, or community‐based monitoring
Integrated risk‐benefit assessment	To develop and apply methodologies for the combined effects of risks and benefits into one overall assessment, using the same denominator (e.g. Disability Adjusted Life Years, cost‐of‐illness) To develop and apply cost‐benefit assessment methodologies to assess costs associated with preventing risks and/or establishing benefits To develop and apply methodologies for risk‐risk comparisons and risk‐ranking To develop and apply methodologies for communicating on and informing risk‐managers on risk‐benefit assessments, cost‐benefit assessments, risk–risk comparisons and risk ranking endeavours
Tools for data‐driven food systems	Ability to use crowdsourcing, operate real‐time monitoring and signal alerts with help of appropriate big data analytical platforms to assess effectiveness of interventions Improving tools and approaches in exposure assessment Open and interoperable data from various domains to support risk assessment Benefits of using blockchain technology along the food chain, including for supply chain monitoring and potential prevention of food fraud
Artificial Intelligence and machine learning	Intensified cooperation with wider society and value provided by society for risk assessment through the use of Artificial Intelligence (primarily focused on machine learning) by real time analysis of big data (incl. Internet of Things) Increased efficiency (in terms of time and human resources) in the data‐to‐evidence process (search, appraise, integrate)
Building capacity for future transdisciplinary expertise	Training programmes will widen scientist's knowledge and provide hands‐on experience in risk assessment and communication The mobility nature of the programme will ensure familiarity with different disciplines, for experts to acquire transdisciplinary expertise Educate next generation experts for risk assessment and food safety