Knowledge gaps and research needs in the evaluation of the effects of GMOs

The main purpose of this paper is to define a comprehensive picture of transnational research needs regarding the effects of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the areas of human and animal health, environment, and techno-economics and societies, as well as requirements for sharing available research capacities and existing infrastructures. First a mapping exercise of existing research activities and knowledge regarding the health, environmental and socio-economic effects of GMOs in Europe was performed. A questionnaire has been developed on a web-based platform (the CADIMA database) and submitted to national focal points to collect information from Member States. Information was collected from 320 projects. Then, twenty-three invited experts and stakeholders participated in a workshop. The focus of the workshop was on GM crops or other applications on the marketplace or near to be commercialized, not necessarily in the EU, but that may have effects in the EU. Applications intentionally released into the environment and/or used immediately in feed and food applications were considered. Starting from a long list of research needs covering a number of 40 issues in the area of human and animal health, 67 research needs in the area of environment, and 70 items in the area of techno-economics, a synthesis of the main research needs and gaps, as well as requirements for sharing available research capacities and existing infrastructures was identified by the experts.