The Flanders-UNIDO Risk Assessment Research Network aims to develop a software tool for risk assessment of GM plants based on algorithms taking into account recent scientific data. This tool will allow the systematic input and analysis of data relevant to risk assessment enabling the characterization and evaluation of risks. The tool is developed to be a risk assessment starting point for regulators and scientists and will be made publically available upon completion.

A prototype of this tool was presented at the workshop and the use of these computer-assisted decision support systems in streamlining and standardizing approaches to identify potential hazards and focus on their risk assessment was discussed.

Participants had  the opportunity to perform a risk assessment of a case study (based on flow charts developed for this prototype). In a second round participants gave input on the efficacy of the developed prototype in guiding risk assessments.

Contributors: George Tzotzos (UNIDO,Austria), Jeremy Sweet (Cambridge, UK), Dulce De Oliveira (IPBO Ghent University Belgium), Sylvia Burssens (IPBO Ghent University Belgium), and Ine Pertry (IPBO Ghent University Belgium).