image: This is the NNI EHS Progress Review publication cover. view more
Credit: CoT/NSET/NEHI
The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) released today a Progress Review on the Coordinated Implementation of the National Nanotechnology Initiative 2011 Environmental, Health, and Safety Research Strategy, a document that demonstrates the wide range of research activities, accomplishments, and collaborations of Federal agencies working toward the responsible development of nanotechnology.
This document is a result of efforts by the Federal agencies participating in the Nanotechnology Environmental and Health Implications (NEHI) Working Group. NEHI is a Working Group of the Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology (NSET) Subcommittee of the Committee on Technology under the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), a cabinet-level interagency council that coordinates science and technology policy across the Federal Government.
As described in the document, coordination of research across NEHI participating agencies from FY 2009-FY 2012 has enabled significant progress towards:
- Development of measurement tools that consider the full life cycles of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs)
- Collection of exposure assessment data and resources for workplace exposure control strategies
- Enhanced understanding of interactions between ENMs and biological systems
- Improved assessment of transport and transformations of ENMs
- Development of principles for establishing robust risk assessment and risk management practices for ENMs and nanotechnology-enabled products
- Improved approaches for identifying, characterizing, and communicating risks to all stakeholders
- Coordination of efforts to enhance data quality, modeling, and simulation capabilities for nanotechnology
The National Nanotechnology Coordination Office (NNCO) will be hosting a webinar to highlight the release of this document, describe key advances, and answer questions from stakeholders and the public on the contents of the report. Details will be provided when available on Nano.gov.
For any additional information, please contact info@nnco.nano.gov.