Posted: October 30, 2008

NanoImpactNet - for a healthy environment in a future with nanotechnology

(Nanowerk News) NanoImpactNet - the European Network on the Health and Environmental Impact of Nanomaterials - is a four-year European Commission sponsored, FP7 coordination project. NanoImpactNet will create a scientific basis for ensuring the safe and responsible development of engineered nanoparticles and nanotechnology-based materials and products, and will support the definition of regulatory measures and implementation of legislation in Europe.
NanoImpactNet’s first Integrating Conference will take place in Lausanne, Switzerland, March 23-27 2009.
The call for abstracts is open on the following topics:
  • In-vitro and in-vivo nanotoxicology
  • Uptake routes and translocation of nanomaterials
  • Exposure assessment
  • Occupational health and safety of nanomaterials
  • In-vitro and in-vivo eco-nanotoxicology
  • Environmental dispersal of nanomaterials
  • Effects of nanomaterials on ecosystems
  • Generation and characterisation of nanomaterials
  • Laboratory protocols for nanomaterials (e.g. handling and dispersing)
  • Risk and impact assessment strategies
  • Life-cycle of nanomaterial-containing products
  • Strategies to make industrial data available
  • Risk communication and management
  • Communication about nano-research with stakeholders
  • The deadline for abstracts is 9 January 2009.
    The Integrating Conference on Wednesday and Thursday is part of a week of NanoImpactNet events. Monday, March 23, is devoted to a training school on “Handling Protocols and Toxicological Testing Strategies”. A workshop on “Protocols for Assessing Biological Hazards” will take place on Tuesday, March 24. On Friday, March 27, there are dual workshops on “Strategies to Assess Occupational Health Effects” and “Strategies for making Industrial Data Available”.
    About NanoImpactNet
    NanoImpactNet is the European network on the health and environmental impact of nanomaterials. It is a platform for exchange about research ideas and to bring together scientists, industry, policy makers and civil society to ensure the safe and responsible development of nanomaterials.
    NanoImpactNet is part of the European Commission’s commitment* to define a robust European strategy on nanotechnology which includes health, safety and environmental issues. Launched in April 2008, this multidisciplinary network’s objective is to create a scientific basis to support the definition of regulatory measures and the implementation of legislation across the EU.
    NanoImpactNet is first and foremost a network and a platform for exchange about research ideas. It consists of 24 partner institutes and over 300 members. By coordinating research between European scientists from over 20 countries, NanoImpactNet will help to harmonise methodologies and communicate results, initially across Europe, but later worldwide, boosting international cooperation.
    The numerous NanoImpactNet workshops provide opportunities to share and discuss state-of-the-art knowledge on nanoimpact research. They will identify knowledge gaps, define strategies to address these gaps and train research staff and students.
    NanoImpactNet embraces strong two-way communication to ensure open and efficient dissemination of information to all stakeholders. Whilst representing the scientific community’s findings it will continue to obtain input on the needs and concerns of other parties. With the European Commission’s support guaranteed until 2012 NanoImpactNet will be the focal point for the exchange of information between researchers, industry and civil society in Europe.
    Source: NanoImpactNet