EU Programs Conducting Survey on Risk Governance for Nanotechnology

Gov4Nano, NANORIGO, and RiskGONE, three projects funded by the European Union (EU), are working together “to develop and establish a robust public policy framework for the use of nanomaterials based on scientific evidence supporting a clear understanding of risks, their assessment and management within wider societal considerations.” The projects are conducting a survey to understand better how the needs of different stakeholders can be addressed through the outputs of the projects. According to the survey, these projects have produced:

• A blueprint for an organization to govern nanotechnology-related risk comprising individuals (experts, stakeholders) who provide “problem-solving capacity” to support decisions on new/emerging risks from engineered nanomaterials. The form of this organization could be:

• Option A: A permanent structure (“House”) that develops and offers access to a risk governance framework and a range of data and tools (see below), as well as a series of activities and services, including advice, expert opinion, or technical assistance; or

• Option B: A “Taskforce” or committee, mobilized by the European Commission (EC) or others, to respond to specific needs or challenges, like the Scientific Committee on Health, Environmental and Emerging Risks (SCHEER);

All responses will remain confidential, and no specific comments will be attributed to any individual. Responses are due September 30, 2022.