Seoul National University Professor Leads Global Shift in Toxicology with AI Keynote – Urgent Breaking News
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – In a landmark moment for Korean science and the future of chemical safety, Professor Choi Jin-hee of Seoul National University delivered a pivotal keynote address at the 13th World Congress on Alternatives and Animal Use in the Life Sciences (WC) held in Rio de Janeiro this week. This isn’t just academic recognition; it’s a signal that AI is rapidly becoming central to how we understand and mitigate environmental and human health risks.
A Global Stage for a New Approach to Risk Assessment
The World Congress, the largest international conference of its kind, brings together scientists, regulators, industry leaders, and policymakers focused on the “3Rs” – Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement – of animal testing. Held every three to four years, the WC serves as a crucial platform for sharing the latest advancements in toxicity testing and shaping global policy. This year’s theme, “3RS Integrating 3 Worlds: Human, Animal and Environmental Health,” underscored the growing recognition of interconnectedness.
Professor Choi’s invitation to deliver a keynote – reserved for researchers demonstrating exceptional scientific leadership – marks a significant milestone for Korean AI-driven toxicity prediction research. It’s a clear indication that the international community is taking notice of the innovative work happening in Seoul.
Bridging Human and Environmental Health with AI
Professor Choi’s lecture, titled “Bridging Human and Environmental Toxicology: AI-DRIVEN MECHANISITIC APPROACHES for One Health-Based NEXT-GENERATION RISK Assessment,” focused on the critical need to integrate the impacts of environmental pollutants on both human health and the broader ecosystem. The “One Health” approach, recognizing the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental wellbeing, is gaining traction as a more holistic and effective strategy for addressing complex health challenges.
The core of Professor Choi’s presentation revolved around the application of AI models and AI-based toxic prediction techniques, built upon Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs). AOPs map the chain of events leading from a molecular initiating event to an adverse health effect, providing a mechanistic understanding of toxicity. By leveraging AI to analyze these pathways, researchers can expand the predictability of chemical effects across a wider range of species – not just humans.
The Rise of AI in Toxicology: A Historical Perspective
For decades, traditional toxicology relied heavily on animal testing, a process that is both ethically problematic and often fails to accurately predict human responses. The development of in vitro (test tube) and in silico (computer-based) methods has offered alternatives, but these often lacked the predictive power needed for robust risk assessment. The advent of powerful AI algorithms, coupled with the increasing availability of large datasets, is now revolutionizing the field. AI can identify patterns and relationships in complex data that would be impossible for humans to discern, leading to more accurate and efficient toxicity predictions.
A Sustainable Future for Chemical Safety
Professor Choi emphasized that this work isn’t just about improving prediction accuracy; it’s about creating a more transparent and sustainable system for chemical risk assessment. “It is a core task to present a new risk assessment system that encompasses humans and the environment through AI toxicity forecasting techniques,” she stated. “We look forward to this lecture to lead to international cooperation and sustainable chemical safety management.”
The implications of this research extend far beyond the laboratory. More accurate and efficient toxicity assessments can accelerate the development of safer chemicals, reduce the reliance on animal testing, and protect both human and environmental health. This is particularly crucial in a world facing increasing exposure to emerging pollutants and the growing threat of climate change.
Professor Choi’s keynote is expected to spur further international collaboration and investment in AI-driven toxicology, paving the way for a future where chemical safety is proactively managed through data-driven insights and a commitment to the principles of One Health. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of this developing story and the latest advancements in AI and environmental science.
