Project R-16596

Informative priors for benchmark dose modelling. (Research)

An initial investigation aimed at exploring the use of informative priors in Benchmark Dose (BMD) modelling demonstrated that informative priors could improve the precision and reliability of dose-response estimates, and it served as 'a proof of concept', clearly showing that carefully selected historical data can indeed improve the precision of dose-response estimates and the parameters of interests (in particular the BMD). However, it also highlighted several areas where further refinement is needed to ensure that these priors are biologically meaningful, statistically robust, and practically useful. This follow-up project aims to address these areas through a series of targeted research activities. The goal is to develop best practices for constructing and applying informative priors in toxicological risk assessment, making the methodology more generalizable and accessible to practitioners. This project also aims to refine methodological approaches, enhance biological relevance, and develop practical guidance that will improve the precision and reliability of dose- response assessments used in regulatory decision-making.

30 April 2026 - 29 April 2028