ANSI-NSP launches nanotechnology standards database

(Nanowerk News) The American National Standards Institute Nanotechnology Standards Panel (ANSI-NSP) is pleased to announce the launch of a new database compiling information about nanotechnology-related standards and affiliated activities. The creation of the database, which was first discussed during a February 2013 meeting of the ANSI-NSP in Washington, DC, is part of a larger ongoing effort by the ANSI-NSP and its members and partners to bolster the visibility of existing and in-development nanomaterials and nanotechnology guidance documents, reference materials, and standards.
“Standards have a significant impact when they are broadly used. This database will be a valuable tool that can enable information sharing and raise awareness about available standards or those under development and can play an important role in furthering the responsible development and commercialization of nanotechnology,” said ANSI-NSP co-chair Ajit Jilavenkatesa, Ph.D., senior standards policy advisor at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) of the U.S. Department of Commerce (DoC).
The ANSI-NSP Nanotechnology Standards Database serves as a free, comprehensive resource for individuals and groups seeking information about standards and other relevant documents related to nanomaterials and nanotechnology–related products and processes. The database does not directly host standards and other similar documents, but is intended to provide information about such documents; however, standards developing organizations (SDOs) are given the option of adding links to their relevant documents.
"The diverse nanotechnology community has been very productive in creating methods and procedures that are of general interest,” said ANSI-NSP co-chair Shaun Clancy, Ph.D., the director of product regulatory services for the Evonik Corporation. “Unfortunately, these are often hard to find even though they are publicly available. The creation of the ANSI-NSP Nanotechnology Standards Database will make it easier to find these documents and facilitate continued improvements in productivity in the community.”
To make the database relevant to the needs of the user community and help it grow, SDOs, government bodies, and other relevant organizations are encouraged to contribute information about their current and in-progress documents and standards. Organizations are required to register before submitting, to ensure that information added to the database is accurate and up to date. The database is expected to include information from a wide range of organizations from around the world that develop standards and other similar documents, and will be accessible to a global audience of individuals and groups interested in learning more about nanotechnology standardization.
Formed in 2004, ANSI-NSP serves as the cross-sector coordinating body for the facilitation of standards development in the area of nanotechnology.
Source: ANSI