Review of the Federal Strategy for Nanotechnology-Related Environmental, Health, and Safety Research (2009) / Chapter Skim
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2 Elements of an Effective Nanotechnology Risk-Research Strategy
2 Elements of an Effective Nanotechnology Risk-Research Strategy
Pages 26-39
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From page 26... ...
We start by considering how strategic thinking or planning is related to research in general and what some of the key factors are in developing effective research strategies. We then focus on research aimed specifically at risks to people and the environment -- whether real or perceived -- and consider aspects of research strategies that are effective in avoiding or reducing the risks.
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From page 27... ...
Promising research avenues can lead to dead ends, and seemingly trivial research directions sometimes turn out to be vitally important. Identifying measures of success ahead of time can sometimes seem like staring into a crystal ball.
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From page 28... ...
In that context, the overarching aim of exploratory research is the expansion of scientific knowledge, whereas targeted research is focused on achieving specific goals, which are usually practical. The success of exploratory research might be measured with such indicators as an increase in knowledge, and the 2 Similarly, the Environmental Protection Agency uses a nomenclature to describe its research that includes core research and problem-driven research: problem-driven research is aimed at understanding and solving particular identified environmental problems and reducing associated uncertainties, and core research is aimed at providing broader, more generic information to improve understanding relevant to environmental problems (NRC 1997)
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From page 29... ...
In between there is a fruitful crossover regime wherein the ideas underpinning exploratory and targeted research combine, leading to exploratory research that meets real challenges and targeted research that generates knowledge that is not necessarily applied knowledge. DEVELOPING EFFECTIVE RISK-RESEARCH STRATEGIES Strategies for risk research -- loosely defined as research in support of identifying, assessing, and addressing actual and potential causes of harm to people and the environment -- are not typically limited by disciplinary, agency, or philosophic boundaries.
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From page 30... ...
DEVELOPING NANOTECHNOLOGY-SPECIFIC RISK-RESEARCH STRATEGIES An effective nanotechnology risk-research strategy will be predominantly forward-looking -- preparing for potential risks before the technology has a widespread commercial presence. It will address nanotechnology-based products that are beginning to enter commerce and nanotechnologies currently under development.
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From page 31... ...
. It set out a program of research objectives to address potential risks posed by nanoparticles and funding mechanisms to address these objectives with the aim of developing an appropriate framework and measures for controlling unacceptable risks -- engineered nanoparticles being the subset of engineered nanomaterials considered to be of most concern (Royal Society 2004)
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From page 32... ...
There does not appear to be a single overarching strategy governing risk research in Europe, but rather multiple initiatives that together form a cohesive approach to supporting research that will inform policy decisions. Two initiatives in particular highlight the current state of affairs: the European Union Seventh Framework Program for Research and Development and a review of riskassessment methods for assessing the risks associated with nanomaterials conducted by the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR)
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From page 33... ...
Although it did not result in a risk-research strategy, the assessment was important on three counts: it formed part of the tapestry of independent and expert science-based input into the EU planning and decision-making process, which includes strategic decision-making on research directions; it systematically established the level of information needed on emerging nanomaterials to evaluate -- and thus manage -- potential risks and in doing so provided a framework for developing research strategies to fill gaps; and it explicitly identified research subjects that need further attention if informed decisions were to be made on responsible development and use of nanomaterials. Those two examples and others not included here are indicative of an approach to risk research in Europe that engages a broad array of experts and stakeholders, identifies key policy goals, establishes mechanisms for supporting research to address the goals, and periodically reviews progress toward the goals.
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From page 34... ...
Apart from national and international government initiatives to develop nanotechnology risk-research strategies, there have been a number of independent initiatives to map out strategic research needs and approaches. Several papers have been published in recent years highlighting specific research needs, including Principles for Characterizing the Potential Human Health Effects from Exposure to Nanomaterials: Elements of a Screening Strategy (Oberdörster et al.
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From page 35... ...
Much of the report stresses the importance of targeted research in an effective strategy, which would lead to informed decision-making, but it also stresses the need for exploratory research that will underpin future targeted questions regarding emerging risks. In addition, the report distinguishes between research that addresses nanotechnology risks directly and what it refers to as "indirect research." The latter is identified as research that has the potential to inform an understanding of the effects of nanotechnologies but is not necessarily directed primarily at risks.
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From page 36... ...
However, it is hard to imagine a successful risk-research strategy that does not address each one of them to some extent. Consequently, the elements have informed our assessment of the National Nanotechnology Initiative Strategy for Nanotechnology-Related Environmental, Health, and Safety Research (NEHI 2008)
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From page 37... ...
Presentation at the Second Meeting on Review of the Federal Strategy to Address Environ mental, Health, and Safety Research Needs for Engineered Nanoscale Materials, May 5, 2008, Washington, DC. Balbus, J.M., A.D.
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From page 38... ...
Presentation at Second Meeting on Review of the Federal Strategy to Address Environmental, Health, and Safety Research Needs for Engineered Nanoscale Materials, May 5, 2008, Washington, DC. Maynard, A.D.
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From page 39... ...
London: The Royal Society & the Royal Academy of Engineering [online]
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