Programme outcomes 2025–2027
To contribute to the sectoral goals of the co-operation programme, the programme has two main outcomes:
- Enhanced cooperation for safer chemical management of chemical substances.
- Enhanced competence by improving knowledge of chemical authorities for chemical regulation.
To reach the outcomes, the programme is divided into five different themes.
OUTPUTS | OUTCOMES | |
 | Enhanced cooperation for safer chemical management of chemical substances | |
 | ||
 | Enhanced competence by improving knowledge of chemical authorities for chemical regulation | |
 | ||
 | ||
Expected results
Theme 1. Development and validation of test methods
Theme 1 will focus on supporting the development of test methods through the OECD Test guideline programme and collaborating partners such as the EU. Activities under this theme may include focus areas such as:
- endocrine disrupting properties of chemicals,
- New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) to, e.g., contributing to the EU Commission Roadmap for phasing out animal testing in chemical safety assessments,
- and enhancements of test guidelines in current use with new and sensitive endpoints.
Theme 1. Development and validation of test methods
Theme 1 will focus on supporting the development of test methods through the OECD Test guideline programme and collaborating partners such as the EU. Activities under this theme may include focus areas such as:
- endocrine disrupting properties of chemicals,
- New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) to, e.g., contributing to the EU Commission Roadmap for phasing out animal testing in chemical safety assessments,
- and enhancements of test guidelines in current use with new and sensitive endpoints.
Theme 2. Co-operation in harmonization, implementation, development and enforcement of EU legislation and international conventions on chemicals
Theme 2 focuses on improving collaboration between Nordic experts across different chemical legislations. The focus is on harmonization, implementation, development, and enforcement of EU legislation and international conventions on chemicals. Implementation will be achieved through sharing knowledge and practical implementation of new risk assessment methodologies, scientific contribution to the negotiations and implementation of international conventions within the field of chemicals management.
Theme 2. Co-operation in harmonization, implementation, development and enforcement of EU legislation and international conventions on chemicals
Theme 2 focuses on improving collaboration between Nordic experts across different chemical legislations. The focus is on harmonization, implementation, development, and enforcement of EU legislation and international conventions on chemicals. Implementation will be achieved through sharing knowledge and practical implementation of new risk assessment methodologies, scientific contribution to the negotiations and implementation of international conventions within the field of chemicals management.
Theme 3. Impact and screening of chemicals and pollutants
Theme 3 focuses on sharing of knowledge, best practices and competences between Nordic countries by means of relevant activities, such as, but not limited to, screening of emerging hazardous chemicals and pollutants in the Nordic environment and assessing their environmental loads. The aim is to identify and address knowledge gaps and by e.g. conducting calls for project proposals.
Theme 3. Impact and screening of chemicals and pollutants
Theme 3 focuses on sharing of knowledge, best practices and competences between Nordic countries by means of relevant activities, such as, but not limited to, screening of emerging hazardous chemicals and pollutants in the Nordic environment and assessing their environmental loads. The aim is to identify and address knowledge gaps and by e.g. conducting calls for project proposals.
Theme 4. Sustainable chemicals and materials
Theme 4 focuses on capacity building among Nordic authorities and researchers for new initiatives that are necessary for future chemical regulation. These initiatives may include but are not limited to the EU wide “One Substance One Assessment” - approach, new types of biopesticides, RNA interference technologies, eco-design for sustainable products regulation (ESPR), nanomaterial or advanced materials and other emerging new technologies. This theme is closely related to, can support and benefits from Theme 1.
Theme 4. Sustainable chemicals and materials
Theme 4 focuses on capacity building among Nordic authorities and researchers for new initiatives that are necessary for future chemical regulation. These initiatives may include but are not limited to the EU wide “One Substance One Assessment” - approach, new types of biopesticides, RNA interference technologies, eco-design for sustainable products regulation (ESPR), nanomaterial or advanced materials and other emerging new technologies. This theme is closely related to, can support and benefits from Theme 1.
Theme 5. Accessible information and communication
Effective communication is a joint focus for all activities and is a common theme that ties together other themes. It is increasingly important to communicate with professional users, workers, and the general public about the hazards and risks of chemicals. Development and maintenance of data platforms for knowledge sharing between Nordic experts is likewise valuable to enable effectively distribution of information about chemicals.
Theme 5. Accessible information and communication
Effective communication is a joint focus for all activities and is a common theme that ties together other themes. It is increasingly important to communicate with professional users, workers, and the general public about the hazards and risks of chemicals. Development and maintenance of data platforms for knowledge sharing between Nordic experts is likewise valuable to enable effectively distribution of information about chemicals.
Nordic value
The programme contributes to the achievement of the goals of the Nordic Vision 2030 and its strategic priorities: a green, competitive, and socially sustainable Nordic region. The programme supports projects in the spirit of Our Vision 2030 contributing to the goal of the Nordics being the most sustainable and integrated region in the world.
