20.8.2024

Hello from the coordinator: Embarking on a Journey of Innovation

In August 2023, we received joyous news: Our proposal for the project “Novel Effect biomarkers for MEtabolic disruptorS: evidence on health Impacts to science and policy needS (NEMESIS)” was successful in the HORIZON-HLTH-2023-ENVHLTH-02 call. The NEMESIS project started in January 2024 and I am thrilled to share with you the inception of our journey from the first half a year.

NEMESIS consortium in a group picture. About 30 persons of different ages and genders.

NEMESIS was created with the vision of identifying metabolism disrupting chemicals (MDCs) causing adverse metabolic effects and increasing mechanistic understanding of adverse metabolic effects of MDCs in liver, pancreas, and microbiota. Ultimately, the NEMESIS aims to develop novel effect biomarkers for metabolic disruptors, providing evidence on their health impacts. With a consortium of 14 partners from across Europe, we are united by a common goal: to advance scientific knowledge, improve chemical risk assessment of MDCs and inform policy through our research.

The NEMESIS consortium brings together a diverse group of experts in toxicology, medicine, risk assessment, social sciences, and humanities. Our partners hail from Finland, Belgium, Cyprus, Germany, Greece, Portugal, Spain and Sweden each contributing their unique expertise and resources, making NEMESIS a truly collaborative and interdisciplinary project.

NEMESIS participants in a class room looking torwards the front of the room and listening — Frequent discussions are crucial, as one of the key factors for the project’s success is the integration of data from different experiments.

Meeting in sunny Helsinki

In May 2024, a face-to-face project meeting was finally arranged, and the project members met in person. This time, the meeting was arranged in Helsinki. This gathering was not only the commencement of our project but also a celebration of the collective expertise and dedication that each partner brings to the table. We also had a wonderful opportunity to meet NEMESIS Project officer Daniela Blihoghe (HaDEA, EC) virtually and she told us about important topics related to Horizon Europe project implementation. The event marked the first of many milestones, setting the tone for a collaborative and innovative atmosphere. Every work package (WP) leader presented a summary of their WP’s aims, methods and collaboration with the other WPs. In addition, we had a lively discussion on the development of AOPs and IATAs within this project.

Vittorio Fortino (in the middle) and Arindam Ghosh (on the right) from the University of Eastern Finland are responsible for development of novel up-to-date systems biology-based models that can be used to evaluate MDC-induced metabolic health effects.

Iyare Wilson from the Berlin Institute of Health at Charite (on the left) studies MDC effects on liver development.
Raghavendra Mysore from the University of Eastern Finland (in the middle) investigates nuclear receptors as mediators of hepatic metabolic effects of MDCs.

Marie-Therese Vinnars from the Umeå University (on the left) is an expert in cohort studies.
Jukka Hakkola from the University of Oulu (in the middle) investigates the mechanisms through which MDCs cause metabolic disruption.

Tim Nawrot from the Hasselt University (on the left) works on birth cohorts and Janne Hukkanen from the University of Oulu (on the right) on adult cohorts, which are utilized in revealing MDC-induced health effects.

Haralampos Tzoupis from Novamechanics is responsible for data collection and curation within the project.

Looking ahead

In these initial months, we have laid the groundwork for significant milestones. Our teams have been diligently working on various work packages, ensuring that our project’s foundation is robust and geared towards success.

The project will run for five years until the end of 2028. As we look to the future, we are excited about the upcoming phases of NEMESIS. Our roadmap is clear, our spirits are high, and our commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and informing policy remains unwavering. We will work closely with four other new European projects that explore endocrine disruptors as ENKORE cluster.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our partners, stakeholders, and the European Commission for their trust and support. The journey of NEMESIS is a testament to what can be achieved when brilliant minds work towards a shared vision. Stay tuned to our website for more updates and insights as we continue to forge ahead.

Jaana Rysä
Coordinator of NEMESIS
University of Eastern Finland