The Center for Environmental Risk Assessment

CERA Launches Resource for Agricultural Biotechnology
Announcement of a new, comprehensive online resource

About CERA
The Center for Environmental Risk Assessment of Genetically Modified Crops (CERA) was on the ILSI Research Foundation’s strengths in risk assessment, tripartite engagement with government, academia and the private sector, and developing and disseminating new scientific knowledge.

CERA develops and applies sound science to the environmental risk assessment of agricultural biotechnologies so their contributions to sustainable production of food, fuel and fiber may be safely realized. The Center’s research projects are currently focused on genetically modified plants. This scope will be broadened over time to include transgenic arthropods and animals.

CERA’s particular focus on environmental risk assessment is supported by an outstanding Advisory Council of eminent scientists, scientific staff with considerable risk assessment and regulatory expertise, and an international network of regulators and scientists from government, academia and the private sector who contribute to CERA’s program of work.

CERA works collaboratively with key international and donor organizations like the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the United States Agency for International Development. In October 2009, the Center was officially recognized as an Observer to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development Working Group for the Harmonization of Regulatory Oversight of Biotechnology. CERA also works bilaterally with governments, research organizations and ILSI Branches to ensure that the Center’s programs are both relevant and accessible to partners in developing and developed countries.

CERA's Four Program Platforms

Upcoming Event

Design Considerations for Laboratory Studies on Non-Target Arthropods for Risk Assessment of GM Plants

Publications

Problem formulation in the environmental risk assessment for genetically modified plants. Wolt, et al. Transgenic Research. 15 September 2009.

Problem Formulation in Environmental Risk Assessment of Genetically Modified Crops: A Brazilian Workshop. Fitzpatrick, et al. Published online at BioAssay. October 2010.

A Review of the Environmental Safety of the CP4 EPSPS Protein. CERA. May 26, 2010

A Review of the Environmental Safety of the Cry1Ac Protein. CERA. May 26, 2010