EuroNanoForum 2017 brings industry to centre stage for nano innovation, while a special workshop focuses on how we ensure this innovation is safe for all
Nanotechnology is widely regarded as being at the vanguard of industrial innovation, helping us push the boundaries of what is possible across a diverse range of science and industry. Whether it’s advancing new treatments for cancer, delivering faster and cleaner production methods or simply making our washing-up liquid go further, things are happening now at the nano scale.
Not only does this nano revolution offer huge possibilities for society in terms of the way we live our lives, it also, of course, has huge potential for Europe’s economic competitiveness across the world and the creation of jobs at home.
But if we are truly to reap the benefits of nanotechnology, then all the innovations it enables over the coming years need to be safe. We need to be sure that the minute particles that deliver such huge rewards are not going to harm human health or the environment in any way.
Delivering safe nanotechnology to the market is a fundamental necessity and the bedrock of all nano developments now and in the future.
EuroNanoForum 2017, which takes place in Valletta, Malta from June 21-23, is Europe’s biggest nanotechnology event and this year it focuses on strengthening the competitiveness of European manufacturing industries through nano and advanced materials technologies and innovation.
The forum will attract more than 1,000 delegates from industry, policy and the research community will put the latest technology developments into context within their multiple industrial applications and provide a platform for industrialists to deliver their nano-enhanced solutions and highlight their successes – as well as the challenges they face.
At the heart of these discussions will be nano safety, with several keynote presentations, panel discussions and exhibition stands focusing on the latest tools available to ensure nano innovation is safe.
A full day’s workshop will also focus entirely on delivering safe nanotechnology to the market and, in particular, on how the current state-of-the-art tools can be used by industry, what industry actually requires and the changing regulatory framework that is needed to ensure safe nano.
The workshop, which takes place on June 23 at 9.30-15.30, is organised by Nanosolutions, one of Europe’s largest ever nanosafety projects, the European NanoSafety Cluster and, to ensure that vital industry perspective, the Nanotechnologies Industry Association.
“The full-day meeting will be dedicated to open discussion and interaction with active nano-sector players from the European Commission, regulatory authorities, large companies, SMEs and research centres, all of whom work globally to build the nano-ecosystem,” explained Bengt Fadeel of the Karolinska Institute and the Nanosolutions project and part of the workshop organising committee.
“Delegates will gain an insight into the state of the art while examining the changing regulatory framework, policy perspectives and societal expectations. Importantly, the discussions will have an active industry focus in terms of current practice, expectations and requirements.”
There will be three main discussion forums, kicking off with “tools for safety assessment”. This session will explore how recent advances in hazard and safety assessment can help regulatory bodies to develop robust and scientifically valid regulatory requirements that can be used at EU and national levels.
This will be followed by a session called “towards safe by design”, which will showcases the types of tools emerging and also to highlight what industry needs in order for these to be genuinely integrated into product development processes.
The final session will examine “the future of risk governance”, looking at the way forward for long-term risk assessment, risk management and risk governance.
The day will end with a lively round table discussion by leading industry, policy and research stakeholders examining the long-term future for nanotechnology, from a research, consumer and industry perspective and explore with the audience what roadmap needs to be in place. Members will provide a vision of the future and the panel will discuss how regulation, funding and safety can make this happen.
The workshop is being supported by the European Commission and the opening keynote will be given by Georgios Katalagarianakis, Directorate General for Research & Innovation.
“Mindful of the fast progress of the nanotechnologies market, the EU has established a world class technological research programme for developing the knowledge and the skills needed for the deployment of these technologies in perfectly safe manner,” said Katalagarianakis.
“This workshop will examine how this knowledge and skill can be applied commercially to the market, enabling the safe delivery of nano innovation for all.”
- The workshop is free for all delegates attending the EuroNanoForum 2017.
- Those not registered for EuroNanoForm 2017 can register only for the day of the workshop using a special discount code COMPWKP. This provides access to the Safety Workshop as well as other workshops taking place on the day. The total cost for this day will be €278.78, which includes refreshments and lunch.
- For information about the workshop, for a full list of speakers and to register, visit http://euronanoforum2017.eu/workshops-list/
- For more information about EuroNanoForum 2017, visit http://euronanoforum2017.eu
Notes for editors
EuroNanoForum 2017, Valletta, Malta from June 21-23 2017
For more information about the Forum or to arrange interviews with key delegates and speakers, call William Davis at Insight on +44 117 2033 120 or email wdavis@ipl.eu.com
Interviews are also available with Claire Skentelbery, DG of the NIA and Bengt Fadeel of the Karolinska Institute, who represents the EU NanoSafety Cluster of nanosafety research projects.
