Case Studies

The case studies listed here are for demonstration purposes exclusively. They are neither intended as references nor as validation by RSI clients. These case studies are a sample of the work done by RSI or directly led by its staff prior to joining RSI. They are intended as an illustration of the type of work that current RSI staff are able to deliver.

Characterizing uncertainty in MAF values estimated using the KEMI MAF

The client sought to improve understanding of uncertainties surrounding the application of mixture assessment factors (MAFs) for aquatic receptors, specifically those estimated using the KEMI methodology. While the KEMI MAF approach is considered technically robust, its assumptions—particularly about chemical-specific controls,...
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Expansion of the Stochastic Health Canada Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment Tool

Health Canada sought to enhance its Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) tool, originally developed over 15 years ago for stakeholders responsible for drinking water systems. With advancements in probabilistic modeling and microbial risk assessment, the client required updates to reflect...
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EFSA Framework for Problem Formulation

To enhance the methodological rigour of its scientific assessments, EFSA sought to develop a standardised framework for problem formulation (PF) within its non-application scientific assessment protocols. The goal was to support the planning phase of these assessments by establishing a...
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Food Inspection Scientific Analysis & Risk Modelling

In support of ongoing efforts to modernize Canada's food inspection system, a request was issued for scientific and analytical expertise to enhance two critical risk-based decision tools: the Establishment-based Risk Assessment (ERA) and Importer Risk Assessment (IRA) models. These models...
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Assessing the Impact of Interstudy Variation in LOAELs on Findings of Low-Dose Additivity in In Vivo Studies of Mixtures

Demonstrating the safe use of chemical mixtures remains a critical challenge in toxicological science. In recent years, studies have suggested that chemicals can exhibit dose additivity—causing a combined effect—even when each chemical individually is below its effect threshold. This project...
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Measuring impact of zoonotic animal diseases in Canada

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency sought RSI’s support in exploring how human health impacts from zoonotic diseases could be compared consistently with other public health risks. Traditionally, animal disease control decisions relied on veterinary and economic measures, but there was...
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Development of a National Food Safety Information System and Risk Assessment Capacity in Vietnam

Authorities in Vietnam sought targeted expertise to strengthen the country’s ability to detect, assess, and respond to food safety threats. This initiative had two linked objectives: building a comprehensive, transparent, and reliable national food safety information system, and enhancing risk...
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Systematic Review of Artificial Sweeteners and Health Risks

A comprehensive systematic review was undertaken to assess experimental evidence regarding the potential health risks associated with artificial sweeteners, specifically focusing on cancer and pre-term delivery. The client sought a rigorous analysis of both in vivo and in vitro experimental...
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Marine Planning and Conservation National Ecological Risk Guidance: Risk Communication Expertise

To support the refinement and implementation of its ecological risk guidance, a federal department responsible for marine conservation engaged expert assistance in risk communication. The primary objective was to ensure that the national guidance for ecological risk assessment—developed as part...
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Finalization of Risk Assessment on Secure Opioid Dispensing Devices

To support decision-making around modifications to opioid agonist treatment delivery, a detailed risk assessment was requested to evaluate the integration of secure dispensing devices for direct patient access to hydromorphone. Building on a previously conducted preliminary assessment, the work required...
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Food safety risk analysis tools

The World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations asked RSI to develop a suite of online tools to support food regulators and the food industry in applying risk-based approaches to food safety. These organizations...
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Evaluation of Health Product Risk Communication Tools

To enhance the effectiveness of health product risk communications, a systematic evaluation was requested to assess the performance of key instruments used to disseminate safety and efficacy information. The aim was to support efforts under the Evaluating the Effectiveness of...
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Building an international alliance and campaign

UN-Habitat sought to establish a new global platform to bring coherence to international dialogue on sustainable urbanization. At the outset, this initiative had no name, no identity, and no governing structure, only the recognition that cities faced pressing challenges requiring...
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