Introduction
The Network for Cross-disciplinary Assessment of Endocrine Disrupting Compounds (NeXED) is an innovative research initiative under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network. Funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe program, NeXED aims to revolutionize the assessment of endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) by integrating human and environmental toxicology.
Launched in January 2025, the program will run until December 2028, training a new generation of scientists in cross-disciplinary toxicology. By bridging the gap between human and environmental risk assessment, NeXED promotes a One Health approach, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human and ecosystem health.
Objectives of NeXED
The NeXED project is driven by three core objectives:
1. Integrating Human and Environmental EDC Assessment
Traditionally, the evaluation of endocrine disruptors has been compartmentalized, focusing separately on human health and environmental impact. However, NeXED seeks to merge these perspectives, ensuring a holistic and integrated approach that enhances chemical assessment methodologies.
2. Addressing Complex Exposure Mixtures
Most traditional assessments focus on single chemical compounds, whereas real-world exposure involves complex mixtures of multiple endocrine disruptors. NeXED aims to improve environmental realism by studying how endocrine axes interact in these complex exposure scenarios, leading to more accurate risk assessments.
3. Developing Novel Assessment Approaches
To better evaluate the impact of endocrine disruptors, NeXED will develop innovative test methods. This includes:
- Assessment of non-EATS modalities (non-estrogen, androgen, thyroid, and steroidogenesis mechanisms).
- Development of invertebrate test models to evaluate EDC effects beyond vertebrates.
- Metabolomics-based assessments to identify biochemical changes caused by endocrine disruptors.
Research and Training Structure
The NeXED initiative comprises 15 individual research projects, each designed to address specific challenges in EDC assessment. These projects are categorized into scientific work packages, aligned with the program’s core objectives.
Doctoral candidates participating in NeXED will undergo comprehensive interdisciplinary training, including:
- Hands-on research experience in laboratories across Europe.
- Intersectoral training, exposing them to academic, industrial, and regulatory environments.
- Secondments and collaborative training events, fostering knowledge exchange and skill development.
This structured training ensures that graduates possess both specialized expertise in toxicology and transferable skills essential for career advancement.
The NeXED Consortium: A Collaborative Effort
NeXED is supported by a diverse consortium consisting of:
- 9 primary beneficiaries responsible for training and research execution.
- 1 employing associated partner, contributing additional expertise.
- 10 associated partners from 10 different countries, ensuring a broad and impactful network.
This multidisciplinary partnership includes academic experts, industry leaders, regulatory agencies, SMEs, and consultancy firms, providing a comprehensive approach to endocrine disruptor assessment.
Career Opportunities in NeXED
The NeXED program is actively recruiting 15 highly motivated doctoral candidates interested in pursuing careers in toxicology, environmental science, and chemical risk assessment.
Successful applicants will:
- Be enrolled in PhD programs within the network.
- Gain full-time employment for the duration of their research.
- Receive exposure to academia, industry, regulatory bodies, and SMEs.
- Participate in cutting-edge research that contributes to global advancements in EDC assessment.
The deadline for applications is April 21, 2025 (23:59 CET), and interested candidates must submit their applications through the NeXED online job application platform.
The Future of Endocrine Disruptor Research
NeXED represents a pioneering step forward in endocrine disruptor assessment. By fostering collaboration across disciplines and sectors, the initiative aims to develop robust methodologies that improve chemical risk evaluations.
Through its One Health approach, innovative research projects, and extensive training programs, NeXED is shaping the future of toxicology. The program not only addresses current challenges in EDC assessment but also prepares a new generation of scientists to navigate the complexities of chemical safety and environmental health.
Conclusion
As endocrine disruptors continue to pose significant risks to human and environmental health, NeXED provides a crucial platform for developing new assessment techniques and fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration. By integrating scientific innovation, education, and policy engagement, NeXED is set to make a lasting impact on the field of toxicology.
For more information about the program, research projects, and career opportunities, visit the official NeXED website.