A human biomonitoring (HBM) Global Registry Framework: Further advancement of HBM research following the FAIR principles

Data generated by the rapidly evolving human biomonitoring (HBM) programmes are providing invaluable opportunities to support and advance regulatory risk assessment and management of chemicals in occupational and environmental health domains. However, heterogeneity across studies, in terms of design, terminology, biomarker nomenclature, and data formats, limits our capacity to compare and integrate data sets retrospectively (reuse). Registration of HBM studies is common for clinical trials; however, the study designs and resulting data collections cannot be traced easily. We argue that an HBM Global Registry Framework (HBM GRF) could be the solution to several of challenges hampering the (re)use of HBM (meta)data. The aim is to develop a global, host-independent HBM registry framework based on the use of harmonised open-access protocol templates from designing, undertaking of an HBM study to the use and possible reuse of the resulting HBM (meta)data. This framework should apply FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable) principles as a core data management strategy to enable the (re)use of HBM (meta)data to its full potential through the data value chain. Moreover, we believe that implementation of FAIR principles is a fundamental enabler for digital transformation within environmental health. The HBM GRF would encompass internationally harmonised and agreed open access templates for HBM study protocols, structured web-based functionalities to deposit, find, and access harmonised protocols of HBM studies. Registration of HBM studies using the HBM GRF is anticipated to increase FAIRness of the resulting (meta)data. It is also considered that harmonisation of existing data sets could be performed retrospectively. As a consequence, data wrangling activities to make data ready for analysis will be minimised. In addition, this framework would enable the HBM (inter)national community to trace new HBM studies already in the planning phase and their results once finalised. The HBM GRF could also serve as a platform enhancing communication between scientists, risk assessors, and risk managers/policy makers. The planned European Partnership for the Assessment of Risk from Chemicals (PARC) work along these lines, based on the experience obtained in previous joint European initiatives. Therefore, PARC could very well bring a first demonstration of first essential functionalities within the development of the HBM GRF.

Auteur(s) : Zare Jeddi Maryam, Virgolino Ana, Fantke Peter, Hopf Nancy B, Galea Karen S, Remy Sylvie, Viegas Susana, Mustieles Vicente, Fernandez Mariana F, von Goetz Natalie, Vicente Joana Lobo, Slobodnik Jaroslav, Rambaud Loïc, Denys Sébastien, St-Amand Annie, Nakayama Shoji F, Santonen Tiina, Barouki Robert, Pasanen-Kase Robert, Mol Hans G J, Vermeire Theo, Jones Kate, Silva Maria João, Louro Henriqueta, van der Voet Hilko, Duca Radu-Corneliu, Verhagen Hans, Canova Cristina, van Klaveren Jacob, Kolossa-Gehring Marike, Bessems Jos

Année de publication : 2021

Pages : 1-8

En relation avec

Nos dernières actualités

actualité

Lancement du réseau « chaleur-santé-bâti-urbanisme » : vers des villes et...

actualité

Enquête « Rapport au sexe » (ERAS) 2026 à destination des hommes ayant des...

actualité

Hervé Maisonneuve nommé référent à l’intégrité scientifique pour trois ans