EFSA statement on the interpretation of FAIR principles for mechanistic effect models in the regulatory environmental risk assessment of pesticides

Abstract Among its objectives, the European Food Safety Authority working group on effect models in environmental risk assessment has worked towards the development and maintenance of a framework to facilitate the assessment of effect models within the scope of the European Food Safety Authority's activities. To fulfil this objective, the working group self‐tasked to lay the groundwork for interpreting the FAIR (i.e. Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, Reproducibility) guiding principles – originally developed for scientific data management and stewardship – for mechanistic effect models in the regulatory environmental risk assessment of pesticides. The working group identified three main areas in which the FAIR guiding principles may be applied, namely: (I) the data underlying a particular model (or model use), (II) the computer model and (III) the model assessment. The document explores existing resources that may support the implementation of the FAIR guiding principles and provides a specific interpretation of the principles for each of the areas relevant to mechanistic effect models. Important challenges and potential blockers are identified, but the working group argues that working towards more ‘FAIRness’ would ultimately lead to a more efficient review process and better integration of mechanistic effect models in the regulatory environmental risk assessment of pesticides, with benefits for all stakeholders. While the aim of the present exercise is to stimulate discussion within the modelling community and avoid being overly prescriptive, recommendations for future action are given to address some of the challenges.