Contributions from scientific research to the risk assessment of GMOs. Lessons learned from a symposium held in Brussels, Belgium, 21-22 October 2010.

In many domains, risk assessment is a defined methodology aimed at determining and quantifying risks associated with a specific activity, including the identification and characterization of potential hazards and their probability of occurrence. It relies on the gathering and interpretation of scientific and technical data and must be carried out in a scientifically sound and transparent manner. With regard to the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), risk assessment relies primarily on the results of research and studies aiming at evaluating the potential impacts of GMOs on the environment and/or human health. Given the increasing number of GMOs tested or commercialized worldwide and the development of new types of GMOs, new and up-to-date scientific information generated by basic or applied research in various fields can strengthen the risk assessment and/or provide answers to potential knowledge gaps identified during risk assessment. The gathering of data obtained from scientific research relevant to the risk assessment, as well as the implementation of new research activities resulting from the identification of potential knowledge gaps, would be facilitated by regular exchanges of views between experts involved in risk assessment/evaluation and scientists involved in basic or applied research (from public institutions or companies). As this interaction could be of mutual benefit and could also serve to inform competent authorities and policy-makers, platforms bringing together these communities are considered of relevance.