| Posted: July 22, 2008 | |
4th NanoRegulation Conference to focus on voluntary measures in nanotechnology risk governance |
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| (Nanowerk News) For the fourth time, the NanoEurope fair and symposium in St.Gallen (Switzerland) will be the venue for the NanoRegulation Conference. As a leading international platform in the area of nanotechnology safety and regulation, the conference will offer a forum to discuss this year’s topic of “Voluntary Measures in Nano Risk Governance” (such as Voluntary Reporting Schemes, Codes of Conduct, Risk management systems etc.). | |
| Background of Conference Focus | |
| Authorities and legislators in the area of health, environment and occupational risks are struggling to keep pace with the rapid developments in the nanotechnology sector. Voluntary measures are instruments used by manufacturers and marketers of nanomaterials that go beyond legal obligations and duties, complement them or make them obsolete by anticipation. They can contribute to closing a gap that is threatening to erode the sustainable development of nanotechnology in research and practical use and therefore are increasingly being discussed as an important element in the future regulatory landscape. | |
| Examples of such approaches can be found in the UK (Defra Voluntary Reporting Scheme), the U.S. (EPA Nanomaterials Stewardship Program), at the EU level (Code of Conduct for responsible nanotechnology research), in Switzerland (Action Plan Nanotechnology) Germany and many other countries. Industry has introduced Codes of Conduct or risk management systems (Nano Risk Framework, CENARIOS®) committing companies to monitor, analyze and communicate nanotechnology risks on their own accord. However, most countries have no or only few experiences with the difficulties of setting up and implementing effective voluntary measures. | |
| The 4th International NanoRegulation Conference | |
| The NanoRegulation Conference offers a forum for decision makers and experts to discuss this approach, exchange experiences and bring forward new solutions and ideas. Pioneers in the field of voluntary measures from authorities, industry and academia will offer a good overview over different aspects of and experiences with their solutions. Participants will gain first-hand insights in the current state of the international discussion. | |
| The concept of the conference is based on the conviction, that a sustainable development of nanotechnologies can only be achieved by cooperation and the foresighted contribution of all stakeholder groups. Engaging representatives from industry and the public in the international dialog with authorities therefore is the overarching objective of the event. | |
| Early booking discount until July 31st | |
| Registration for the conference that also entitles to the visit of the whole NanoEurope fair is possible via the online platform (www.nanoeurope.com). An early booking discount is granted until July 31st. | |
| The conference is scheduled to be held from September 16-17, 2008 | |
| Conference language: English | |
| Contact: | |
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Dr. Christoph Meili The Innovation Society T: +41 71 274 74 17 |
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| Source: The Innovation Society |