Concept
SPARCS is built on the idea that the health effects of particles and chemicals cannot be understood by studying exposure, material properties, biological responses, and human health outcomes separately. Instead, these elements must be connected within one integrated research framework.
SPARCS white paper
Executive summary and explenation of the conceptual framework.
The SPARCS concept therefore follows the full pathway from exposure and material characterisation, through cellular and molecular mechanisms, to human health and risk outcomes.
Advanced bioanalytics, modelling, and artificial intelligence are used across this pathway to integrate complex datasets, identify patterns of biological response, and develop biomarkers and predictive models of health effects.
A central focus is on realistic and human-relevant exposure scenarios, including industrial and occupational particles, ambient and urban exposures, micro- and nanoscale materials, plastic particles and associated chemicals, and combined particle–chemical exposures.
Rather than relying only on traditional hazard identification, SPARCS aims to understand the mechanisms that precede adverse health outcomes and to connect these early biological changes with clinically relevant endpoints.
Through this integrated approach, SPARCS seeks to generate knowledge that can support earlier identification of health risks, development of biomarkers, improved risk assessment, safer-by-design technologies, and prevention of exposure-related disease. The long-term goal is to bridge fundamental research with the needs of industry, healthcare, regulators, and society.
