Network on the Coordination and Harmonisation of European Occupational Cohorts (OMEGA-NET): Achievements after 4 years of networking, collaboration and training

ABSTRACT

Introduction OMEGA-NET (2017-2022) is a COST Action network, funded by EU, involving about 200 occupational health researchers in 40 countries, including non-European partners. The goal is to create a network to optimize the coordination and use of occupational, industrial, and population cohorts in Europe and beyond, to inform evidence-based interventions and policy. Material and Methods A range of networking tools are available for COST Actions, such as meetings, workshops, conferences, training schools, short-term scientific missions (STSMs) and dissemination activities. Results Despite COVID-19 restrictions, the network has made great achievements, including two online searchable inventories the Inventory of Occupational Cohorts, with more than 140 cohorts registered, and the Inventory of Occupational Exposure Tools, with about 75 tools, of which half are Job-Exposure Matrices. Working groups have discussed and written papers on harmonisation and standardisation of occupational exposure and health outcome information. So far, 15 papers are published, some as editorials or position papers, others are accepted or in progress. A webinar series, available on YouTube, present work of OMEGA-NET. The Action also includes opportunities for networking, leadership and training for early career researchers in occupational epidemiology and exposure assessment, and visits to other research institutions (STSMs), as well as stakeholder engagement. Conclusions OMEGA-NET is the largest coordination activity on occupational health globally and will substantially enhance future European and international research.