Working groups
CUSP projects collaborate across six working groups
WG1
This working group collects and shares information regarding materials and methods used within the cluster, creating an inventory of available materials and analytical methods. It will identify common material needs across the cluster, with the overall aim to pursue harmonization of materials and analysis protocols used by the CUSP projects.
WG2
To make the large amount of data generated within the cluster projects available for risk assessments of MNPs, this group works to develop a harmonized approach to data sharing across all CUSP projects. This involves setting up a centralized data repository, ensuring that the data management plans of all CUSP projects apply the FAIR principles, and that data is compared with regard to standardization of methods and outcome parameters.
WG3
The complexity of involved matrices and MNPs present across the research field leads to many different available approaches for MNP analysis. This working group supports the implementation of inter-laboratory comparisons (ILCs) on model samples with complex matrices regarding mass, or on water samples for number-based methods, to help advance the process of harmonization as well as to train users early in the process of developing new methods.
WG4
This group is working together across the CUSP projects to advance methods for exposure assessment. It shares best practices for conducting studies, focuses on harmonization and generating interoperable data, exchanges exposure modelling frameworks, and works to create a common exposure database of MNPs. This will allow for researchers across the projects to efficiently learn from each other and enrich the usefulness of the results for human health risk assessment.
WG5
Members in this group work to ensure that data generated across the CUSP projects are useful for human risk assessment and regulatory purposes and that they are complementary enough to be integrated into a comprehensive analysis. They are setting up an inventory of hazard assessment technologies, defining common case studies in human biomonitoring, and formulating and prioritizing issues regarding regulatory safety assessment and management of MNPs to support risk assessment and risk management.
WG6
This group brings together the knowledge and expertise of the communication and dissemination leads from each CUSP project to ensure that the communication and dissemination strategies are smartly and effectively implemented throughout the duration of the projects. It will develop carefully crafted tools, media platforms, live and remote events, and dynamic content to raise awareness as well as engage and capture the interest of target stakeholder groups.
