Identification and characterisation of emerging issues

1
Identification and characterisation of emerging
issues

• Prof Jim Bridges,
• Chair of SCENIHR

2
Some data sources
3
Reasons for past failures

• Fragmented information to risk assessors
• Incorrect interpretation by RAs ( often too
  conservative)
• Poor extrapolation
• Inadequate communication
• Wrong action/inaction

4
Challenges for an emerging issues evaluation
system

• To ensure access to relevant data (many
  organisational and other traditional barriers to
  achieving this)
• Data often very incomplete and rapidly changing
  (leading to a variety of opinions which may
  trigger unnecessary public concern)
• To learn from past failures
• To put emerging issues in the context of other
  known risks

5
Requirements

• High dependence on expert judgement
• Identification and active involvement of key
  stakeholders
• Sustained commitment across a very wide range of
  disciplines
• i) coordinated approach
• ii) feedback
• iii) ability to initiate work to fill key
  data gaps
• Conclusion- phased approach with the emphasis on
  quality rather than being fully comprehensive.
  Phases should overlap

6
Suggested approach-Phase 1

• The core should be the EU independent scientific
  advisory committees because
• i) already exist, involve leading experts
  across a wide range of disciplines trusted
• ii) good appreciation of, and commitment to,
  evaluation of risks transparent methods
• iii) also involves a wider group of experts.
  Many members also provide advice at the national
  level
• Action- set up an inter-committee
  collaboration mechanism

• To

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Suggested approach phase 2.

• Identification and cooperation with groups that
  can complement the information provision
• i) industry (new developments, potential uses
  etc)
• ii) appropriate major research funding bodies
• (early data access, filling of key data gaps)
• iii) International bodies concerned with
  emerging issues eg WHO
• Action- High level discussions on how to
  overcome existing barriers.

8
Suggested approach- phase 3

• Improve the existing interface between emerging
  issue recognition, stakeholder consultation and
  implementation of regulatory or other actions
• Develop the communication systems with the
  public/politicians etc
• Action- Initiate stakeholder workshops,
  internet consultations etc

9
Conclusions

• It is very important to identify and
  characterise emerging issues so that appropriate
  action can be taken if necessary.
• A coordinated phased approach is required. It is
  recommended that this is based on the existing
  independent EU scientific advisory committees
• Involvement of selected expert bodies and key
  stakeholders is essential too