The European ONTOX project reaches its fourth year. On the occasion of the annual meeting held in Valencia, coordinator Mathieu Vinken answers our questions about the achievements reached and the upcoming objectives.

The ONTOX project (Ontology-driven and Artificial Intelligence-based repeated dose toxicity testing of chemicals for next generation risk assessment) is an ambitious research initiative funded by the European Union that seeks to revolutionize the way we assess the risk chemicals pose to human health, without using animals in toxicological testing. It was born from collaboration between universities (including the University of Valencia), research centers, hospitals (IIS La Fe Hospital), small and medium enterprises, industries, and regulatory authorities. ONTOX brings together more than 70 experts in a multidisciplinary consortium from 15 countries. Its central goal is to develop new methodologies that combine in vitro models and digital tools, including artificial intelligence, to predict the human risk of toxic effects from prolonged exposure to chemicals in key organs such as the liver, kidneys, and brain. ONTOX represents not only scientific and technological progress but also an ethical commitment to animal welfare, scientific transparency, and the creation of a more informed and safer society. Over its four years of execution, the project has become a European benchmark in the path toward a future toxicology that is more human, more precise, and more responsible.

On May 22 and 23, the annual ONTOX Project meeting took place in Valencia, organized by the Joint Unit (UV-IIS La Fe) of Experimental Hepatology, On May 22 and 23, the annual meeting of the ONTOX project was held in Valencia. The event was organized by the Joint Unit (UV-IIS La Fe) of Experimental Hepatology, which is part of the CIBER for Liver and Digestive Diseases (CIBEREHD). This gave us the opportunity to interview its coordinator. Dr. Mathieu Vinken is a professor and researcher at the Faculty of Pharmacy at the Free University of Brussels (VUB), in Belgium. He is a leading figure in the field of toxicology, particularly in the development of alternatives to animal testing. He has led numerous international projects focused on liver toxicity and in vitro predictive models. His outstanding scientific experience and leadership have made him the principal coordinator of ONTOX, where he leads more than 70 scientists in an ambitious project aimed at better risk assessment for humans through innovative toxicology aligned with ethical principles that avoid animal testing.

ONTOX is now in its fourth year. It's a “mature” project. What were the goals and targets of this ambitious research initiative?
The main goal of ONTOX is to advance the risk assessment of chemicals for human health without the need to use animals. The project aims to develop an innovative strategy that enables the prediction of toxic effects from repeated chemical exposure. This strategy, combined with exposure assessment tools, will allow us to evaluate the risks to people. The best part is that it can be applied to any type of substance and any systemic toxic effect.

Could you briefly tell us about the main achievements of the project so far?
ONTOX has already created detailed maps of how certain chemicals affect key organs such as the brain, kidneys, and liver. It has also developed in vitro test batteries (in the lab, without animals) and digital tools to predict those effects. Moreover, we are using artificial intelligence to refine probabilistic approaches and thus improve risk assessment and the safety of substances.

What role do you think Artificial Intelligence plays in risk assessment?
Artificial intelligence is like a co-pilot: it doesn't replace the human expert, but it helps predict possible adverse effects of chemicals more quickly, with better information integration and higher accuracy.

ONTOX is quite a large consortium. How complex is it to coordinate so many partners from different sectors, like universities, companies, SMEs, and regulatory bodies?
The key lies in internal organization. ONTOX is structured into 14 work packages. Each has a leader, and 9 of them focus on research. The others handle project management, data handling, communication, dissemination, and implementation. We meet regularly to stay aligned.

From your point of view, what value does the Joint Experimental Hepatology Unit at La Fe Hospital bring to the project?
The Joint Experimental Hepatology Unit (University of Valencia - IIS La Fe Research Center) is a key player in ONTOX. Their specialized expertise in liver research is simply unique. Thanks to their advanced knowledge and technical capabilities, they are driving the development of highly reliable in vitro tests to detect possible toxic effects in this vital organ.
Their involvement not only brings scientific rigor, but also adds indispensable value for ONTOX to offer safer and more ethical toxicology solutions.

Science not only has to advance, it also has to be communicated. What communication strategies is ONTOX using to bring its findings closer to society?
ONTOX has its own website, informative brochures, newsletters, YouTube videos, podcasts, social media… and a strong presence at scientific conferences and workshops. We also publish regularly in scientific journals.

Science has an impact that goes beyond the lab. How do you think projects like ONTOX can contribute to a more informed and conscious society regarding health and animal testing?
The key is to involve all stakeholders: universities, companies, regulators, NGOs, and the general public. We use tools and communication channels tailored to each audience, which makes the information more accessible and useful.

Finally, what message would you like to convey to the public about the future of toxicology research and ONTOX’s role in it?
ONTOX is paving the way toward science that protects human health without relying on animal testing. It represents a commitment to more ethical, modern, and effective toxicology.

For more information, visit the website of the European ONTOX project.