Resources Needed
Discussion Summary from Meeting held 23 August 2000
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After listening to five presentations on resources being made available on the Internet for food safety risk analysts, and one presentation on user needs, the meeting participants were divided into four discussion groups. These groups were charged with compiling a list of resources that are needed for creating a viable Internet community of food safety risk analysts. The many ideas generated within these groups can be broken down into the following categories. By organizing them, we hope to better communicate the range and depth of the perceived needs of food safety risk analysts.
Tools
Tools that are needed to assist food safety risk analysts include those used for accessing the information, such as improved search engines and an ontology for annotating web pages. Tools that can be used directly for performing risk assessments are also needed. Examples of these include curve-fitting techniques and other software. Technical tools include webcasting capabilities and discussions of new and developing technologies.
Training
The break-out groups each recognized needs for training opportunities in food safety risk analysis via the Internet. Examples include posting models with guidance for appropriate applications, a tutorial of risk assessment with examples, as well as guidance on specific techniques (e.g., curve-fitting). Participants also discussed the value of posting information on the advantages and disadvantages of various scientific and risk assessment techniques, as well as accessing relevant techniques from other disciplines.
Communication
The creation of a community of food safety risk analysts requires communication of many types. Meeting participants pointed to the need for a main portal to all the web resources (such as the Clearinghouse). They also expressed interest in real-time communication opportunities, such as moderated chat rooms and webcasts of meetings and live presentations. Communication can also be facilitated by providing contact opportunities with other professionals. Such opportunities can be enhanced by lists of on-line discussion groups and bulletin boards, and electronic access to experts and interested individuals cross-listed by subject area. Announcements of partnership opportunities can also help foster contact among various individuals, as well as enhance the quality of research. Furthermore, participants expressed a need for posting feedback from users about posted resources (such as risk assessments, data and modeling tools).
Data
Perhaps the need that was most frequently voiced was for access to good quality data. Participants voiced the need to identify data gaps, and to involve various stakeholders, such as government and industry, to participate in the process of making the data publicly available. However, it is not enough that the data be made available; there must also be established quality standards, including the simultaneous publication of supporting information on study design. Also, standards for data delivery are needed to facilitate access to the data by as broad an audience as possible.
