Establishing a Nanotechnology Risk Governance Framework

The main objective of NANORIGO (NANOtechnology RIsk GOvernance) is to develop and implement a transparent, transdisciplinary and science-based Risk Governance Framework (RGF) for managing nanotechnology risks regarding social, environmental and economic benefits. A new risk management approach is formed based on available and new high-quality data and advanced scientific tools developed for industry and regulators decision-making, and on communication with all stakeholders (regulators, industries, politicians, the civil society). The RGF will use a life-cycle perspective and integrate available knowledge on ethical, social, environmental and economic concerns into a user-friendly format that can be easily adapted and transferred into regulation for hazard, exposure and risk assessment and management of nanomaterials. It will consist of: (i) risk management strategies based on reinforced tools for guidance and decision-making developed for risk assessment, (ii) validated methodologies to identify potential hazard and exposure, and (iii) a web-based information and communication platform to facilitate access to good quality data and a clear understanding of risks for all stakeholders, and their valuable feedback. The NANORIGO work plan consists of 8 work packages covering all major risk governance aspects. A self-sustained European Nanotechnology Risk Governance Council (NRGC) will be installed to implement the RGF, embedded in relevant international structures and in close cooperation with the International Risk Governance Center (IRGC). Case studies will demonstrate the sustainability of solutions and their consistent integration into regulatory applications under real conditions. Bringing all stakeholders together under a common umbrella will allow to share and integrate the most appropriate governance tools, frameworks and plans for future science and regulatory research and foster consistency of management approaches in the EU and synergies internationally.