Archive
Risk monitoring for nanomaterials
September 2015
Monitoring for nanomaterials
Source: General Reinsurance AG
Document: Article as PDF-File (in English, 161 KB)
Exploring Unknown Terrain
May 2015
Findings on the monitoring of nano-risks
Source: Versicherungswirtschaft, 5/2015, Volume 70, pp. 26 - 28.
Document: Article as PDF-File (in German, 3.5 MB)
Nanomaterials and Insurances 
April 2015
Voices on the Nanotechnology Liability Forum in Cologne.
Source: Haftpflicht international "PHi", Recht und Versicherung, Nr. 2, Issue of the 1st of April 2015, Pages 62 & 63.
Documents: Article as PDF-File (in German, 30 KB)
Nanomaterials and Insurances (Video)
March 17th, 2015
Website
New Monitoring System of Nano-Risks (Video)
March 17th, 2015
Website
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=DBDmj0ZmwMo
Experimentation on the Nano-Scale
September 2014
Successful start of the "SimplyNano 1®" - Teacher Training Courses in Liechtenstein.
Source: Liechtensteiner Volksblatt, Issue of the 25th September 2014
Documents: Article as PDF-File (in German, 279 KB)
"SimplyNano 1®" in Liechtenstein (Video)
(Interview in German)
September 25th, 2014
Program
Das Liechtensteiner Fernsehen - News
Website
http://www.local-tv.net/news/news-25-september-2014?1fl
Fascination New Technologies
September 2014
Successful start of the "SimplyNano 1®" - Teacher Training Courses in Liechtenstein.
Source: Liechtensteiner Vaterland, Issue of the 25th of September 2014
Documents: Article as PDF-File (in German, 251 KB)
Having the courage to explore new territories
August 2014
The LEADER introduces The Innovation Society.
Source: LEADER - Das Unternehmermagazin, Ausgabe August 2014
Documents: Article as PDF-File (German, 287KB)
Awaken Interest for new Technologies
August 2014
HILTI supports nano-education in Liechtenstein by sponsoring of twelve "SimplyNano 1®" - experimental kits.
Source: Liechtensteiner Vaterland, Ausgabe vom 29. August 2014
Documents: Articel as PDF-File (in German, 120KB)
Enthusiasm for technology - Industry and schools work together
August 2014
HILTI supports nano-education in Liechtenstein by sponsoring of twelve "SimplyNano 1®" - experimental kits.
Source: Liechtensteiner Volksblatt, Ausgabe vom 28. August 2014
Document: Artikel as PDF-File (in German, 140KB)
Tiny wizards on windscreens and in brains
November 2013
Nanoparticles in consumer products are widespread. The German daily newspaper "Südkurier" conducted an interview with Dr. Christoph Meili on benefits and drawbacks of nanomaterials.
Source: Südkurier, Nr. 275 (27. November 2013)
Documents: Article as PDF-File (in German, 0.6MB). Complete issue on nanomaterials as PDF-File (in German, 0.4MB)
Nanotechnology in everyday life; When red wine runs off
October 2013
Nano in textiles performs small miracles.
Source: Die Zeit, Volume 45 (October 31st, 2013)
Document: PDF-File (German, 0.3MB)
Self-healing car finish (audio contribution)
September 19th, 2013
Self-healing car finish (Interview in German)
Program
Marktplatz (Deutschlandfunk)
Website
http://www.dradio.de/dlf/sendungen/marktplatz/2257097/
No more bad odours - thanks to nanotechnolgy (audio contribution)
(Interview in German)
September 19th, 2013
Program
Marktplatz (Deutschlandfunk)
Website
http://www.dradio.de/dlf/sendungen/marktplatz/2257120/
La nanotechnologie fait son entrée sur les bans de l'école (video)
June 12th, 2013
Program
Couleurs locales (RTS)
Website
http://www.rts.ch/video/info/couleurs-locales/4980832-la-nanotechnologie-fait-son-entree-sur-les-bans-de-l-ecole.html
Miniparticles with hidden perils
May 2013
Nanotechnology is used in industry and consumption products. Additionally to the desirable properties of nanotechnology, they also pose significant risks to humans and the environment. Liability insurers are needed.
Source: Schweizer Versicherung, May 2013
Document: PDF-File (German, 3894 KB)
TVO-series on nanotechnology (SimplyNano 1® courses) (video)
May 1st, 2013
Program
TVO News
Website
TVO-series on nanotechnology (video)
(Interview with Christoph Meili)
April 30th, 2013
Program
TVO News
Website
Nanotechnology – an engine for the future
April 2013
Nanotechnology is a key technology with great potential. To use this in Switzerland, it needs acceptance, legal certainty and especially knowledge.
Source: Die Politik, April 2nd, 2013
Document: PDF-File (German, 0,2 MB)
Nanotechnology - the importance of insurance
March 2013
The potential environmental and health risks of nanoparticles are increasingly subject to the insurance industry.
Source: UmweltBriefe (March 28th, 2013)
Document: PDF-File (German, 0.3 MB)
The Internet as a Source of Knowledge
February 2013
Companies can integrate customer requests into their product variations and market research. Furthermore, the crowd can solve concrete problems.
Source: Tagblatt
Document: PDF-File (German, 2 MB)
Risk potential for liability insurance
February 2013
Increasing use of nanotechnologies brings opportunities and challenges.
Source: Versicherungswirtschaft Feburary 2013
Document: PDF-File (German, 1381 KB)
Global Sources: Crowdsourcing accelerates innovation management!
January 2013
The global and rapid emergence of social media and the Internet is revolutionizing the supply chains, forcing companies to implement open innovation. Using crowdsourcing can speed up this process.
Source: NZZexecutive (January 7th, 2013)
Document: PDF-File (German, 0.5 MB)
Crowdsourcing and innovation: The swarm workers are coming!
November 2012
Social media and the Internet offer new opportunities for innovation and human resources management. With crowdsourcing companies can harness the potential of "clickworkers" targeted and cost-effective. Swarm workers solve problems and bring new ideas or projects.
Source: Alpha
Document: PDF-File (German, 1.4 MB)
Innovation Management does not often resort to swarm intelligence!
August 2012
Everybody is talking about "swarm intelligence" and the creative potential of "Clickworkers." Online Platforms and crowdsourcing could accelerate the innovation management process. The "Open Innovation Monitor 2012" shows that innovation is indeed a key issue for companies, but crowdsourcing and online tools are still not often used.
Source: 2012, Wirtschaftsmagazin
Document: PDF-File (German, 2 MB)
UBS supports Swiss Nano-Cube
August 2012
The web-based technology platform Swiss Nano-Cube receives 150.000 Swiss francs from the UBS Foundation for Social Issues and Education. This makes an important contribution to teacher training courses in nanotechnology.
Source: Appenzeller Volksfreund - July 26th, 2012
Document: PDF-File (German, 5 MB)
Boost for Swiss Nano-Cube
August 2012
The web-based technology platform Swiss Nano-Cube receives 150.000 Swiss francs from the UBS Foundation for Social Issues and Education. This makes an important contribution to teacher training courses in nanotechnology.
Source: St.Galler Tagblatt - August 10th, 2012
Link: Online-Artikel
TVO-contribution on Swiss Nano-Cube (video)
July 12th, 2012
Program
TVO Kurznachrichten
Website
Black Swans (video)
December 3rd, 2011
Program
Forum andere Musik
Website
http://www.forumanderemusik.ch
Presentation
Download presentation as PDF here (1,5 MB).
France approves reporting requirements for nanomaterials
December 2011
The French Environment Ministry has recently issued a decree on the registration of nanomaterials. This leads to the first Europe-wide, mandatory reporting requirement on nanomaterials in 2013.
Source: PHI Nr. 2/2012
Document: PDF-File (German, 0,4 MB)
Switzerland: Great future with tiny particles
December 2011
More research, innovation and risk management bring the brand "Switzerland" ahead. Especially in nanotechnology locates consultant Christoph Meili great potential.
Source: Neue Luzerner Zeitung - December 27th, 2011
Document: PDF-File (German, 0,5 MB)
Why not elect the 300 most generous business owners?
December 2011
Switzerland is too often associated with bank, mountains and chocaltes instead of innovation and excellence, says Christoph Meili, CEO of the Innovation Society and lecturer at the University of St.Gallen. It is necessary that Switzerland resorts on its strengths. According to Christoph Meili, especially nanotechnology has great potential.
Source: Tagblatt - December 6th, 2011
Document: PDF-File (German, 1,8 MB)
Black Swans
November 2011
Crises and disasters hit us particularly hard when we have assessed the risks incorrectly or overlooked them. These risks are often referred to as the "black swans". They pose next to a large loss potential also an innovation potential. Dealing constructively with black swans requires a broader understanding of innovation and risk management as well as haphazard lateral thinking and actions at strategic, cultural and communicative level are necessary.
Source: Leader Special November 13th, 2011
Document: PDF-File (German, 860 KB)
Webinar "Manage nano-risks"
November 30th, 2011
Program
Marsh / The Innovation Society, St.Gallen
Website
http://www.innovationsociety.ch
Video
Download video as .wmv here (15 MB).
NanoCode MasterPlan & CodeMeter
September 29th, 2011
Program
NanoCode International Conference Brussels
Presentation
Watch or download video here (52 MB)
Website
www.nanocode.eu (not available anymore)
Black Swans
August 2011
Crises and disasters hit us particularly hard when we have assessed the risks incorrectly or overlooked them. These risks are often referred to as the "black swans". These «unknown unknowns» hit us there, where our risk radar has a blind spot. To deal constructively with black swans organisations need risk management and it is necessary to think beyond the unthinkable.
Source: Alpha -August 13th/14th, 2011
Document: PDF-File (German, 875 KB)
Nano in products: Possible threats (video)
May 17th, 2011
Program
Kassensturz (SF1)
Nanotechnology
April 2011
The Federal Council is launching a national research program and a training platform informs about the new technology.
Source: Neue Zürcher Zeitung
Document: PDF-File (German, 35 KB)
Creeping risks
March 2011
The risk researcher Christoph Meili about the dwindling confidence in modern technology. It is no progress possible without it, neither without risk.
Source: Tagblatt - April 1st, 2011
Document: PDF-File (German, 4 MB)
"Nano" product withdrawal brings data security and responsibility of the manufacturer back on the agenda
December 2010
In July 2010, a floor sealant named NanoCover was withdrawn from the Danish market and included in the RAPEX system of the European Union. However, the case of NanoCover differs from Magic Nano through the low media interest.
Source: PHi Nr. 3/2010
Document: PDF-File (German, 25 KB)
Insurability of nanotechnology - Comprehensive risk monitoring is needed instead of a blind flight
October 2010
It is uncontested that the insurance industry hardly ever underestimated a threat so seriously as the risks of asbestos. The use of nano materials should not be taken lightly, as explained below.
Source: NZZ
Document: PDF-File (German, 25 KB)
Lobbying
September 2010
The general public is skeptical about nanotechnolgy regarding food. Nanotech expert Christoph Meili is convinced that this could be improved with more transparency and clearer communication.
Source: Alimenta
Document: PDF-File (German, 110 KB)
Is nanotechnology insurable?
September 2010
If and to what extent nanotechnology will affect insurance companies and what damages can be epected is not clarified yet. Certain is that nanotechnologies are implicitly insured at the moment. In case of damage insurance industries can be affected in the product, operational, environmental liability insurance, or possibly in the workers' compensation insurance.
Source: Versicherungswirtschaft September 2010
Document:
PDF-File (German, 483 KB, view only)
Purchase of article (über www.vvw.de)
Voluntary measures in nanotechnology risk governance: the difficulty of holding the wolf by the ears
2010
The regulation of manufactured nanomaterials has been a matter of discussion among government representatives, scientists, environmental and consumer advocates and politicians since the beginning of the commercial rise of consumer products containing or claiming to contain manufactured nanomaterials.
Source: Meili, C., & Widmer, M. (2010). Voluntary measures in nanotechnology risk governance: the difficulty of holding the wolf by the ears. In G. A. Hodge, D. M. Bowman, & A. D. Maynard, International Handbook on Regulating Nanotechnologies (S. 446-461). Edward Elgar Publishing Limited.
Document: PDF-File (english, 109 KB)
Dispersion of oil by nanotechnology
June 2010
Oil spill dispersants can be separated into tiny droplets and thus accelerate its degradation by microorganisms. When oil disperes in water micelles are formed which are up to 5 nanometers in size. However, the consequences of waiting must be weighed against the uncertainties of this approach.
Source: Tagblatt
Download: PDF-File (German, 1.41 MB)
Nano Aktuell
May 2010
Nano-insurance policies: Big chance or dance on a volcano? So far, there were no special nano-insurance policies. Now a U.S. company offers a cover specifically for liability risks of nano products and services. How can the insurer deal with the uncertainties in evaluating the risks of nanotechnology?
Source: PHi Nr. 3/2010
Download: PDF-File (German, 428 KB)
Old mistakes should not be repeated
May 2010
How can a sustainable and responsible development of nanotechnology and its implementation be ensured - at European and global level? "Framing Nano", a research project supported by the EU proposes a "nano-governance platform", so that risks and opportunities can be identified and effective measures can be proposed.
Source: CeNiDE Newsletter May 2010
Download: PDF-File (German, 336 KB)
Do new risks loom because of nanotechnology?
February 2010
Synthetic nanomaterials might retrieve unexpected health risks. For example, carbon nanotubes (CNT) are suspected to cause a certain type of cancer. Although nothing has been proved yet, insurers should observe exactly what they are getting into, to avoid being run over by a similar claim avalanche as in the case of asbestos.
Source: Versicherungswirtschaft February 2010
Document:
PDF-File (German, 784 KB, view only)
Purchase of article (über www.vvw.de)
Communication Tools for Nanomaterial Products
February 2010
Companies producing products that contain nanomaterials need to find tools that will allow them to transfer data and information about the risk management of such materials down the supply chain. Christoph Meili offers his thoughts on one way this could be done.
Source: Chemicalwatch February 2010
Download: PDF-File (English, 528 KB)
With the nano-information pyramid against the Blind Flight
February 2010
Synthetic nanoscale materials have been treated regulatory the same as conventional substances. Even though they have different physical and chemical characteristics and therefore, they could have other risks.
Source: PHi Nr. 1/2010
Download: PDF-File (German, 117 KB)
Declaration for nanomaterials requested
January 2010
Since the risks for the enviroment are not clarified yet, a declaration for nanomaterials is requested.
Source: BauernZeitung
Document: PDF-File (German, 478 KB)
Carbon nanotubes and insurance
December 2009
CNTs have exceptional material features and a long, tubular structure. Given the discussed asbestos-like characteristics, CNTs are of particular interest for the insurance industry.
Source: PHi Nr. 6/2009
Download: PDF-File (German, 48 KB)
How dangerous is nanofood?
November 2009
Nanomaterials can improve food but it also has its risks. Many nanoparticles appear naturally in the human body.
Source: Tages-Anzeiger
Download: PDF-File (German, 157 KB)
Nano Aktuell - PHi liability international
October 2009
The Innovation Society delivers the new column for Nanotechnology "Nano Aktuell" for the magazine PHi the Cologne Reinsurance Company AG.
Source: PHi Nr. 5/2009
Download: PDF-File (German, 770 KB)
Logistic - Nanotechnology
June 2009
The consumer goods industry discoveres the benefits of nanotechnology increasingly. The risks of nanotechnology are not yet explored. However, there exists a great potential in packaging and logistics area.
Source: Regal 6/2009
Download: PDF-File (German, 176 KB)
Nano Products - future technology with great potential
May 27th, 2009
A wide range of nano products is available in many DIY and home improvement markets, these are surface sealing sprays or materials (plastics, textiles, metals) with special features. The utility of such products is evident in many cases. Regardless, the risks of some nanomaterials are still unclear.
Source: BHB Info 3/2009
Download: PDF-File (German, 224 KB)
Nanotechnology - legislation is in default
April 21st, 2009
Lack of risk assessment and legislation challenge the use of engineered nanoparticles in food and the packaging. No data, no market, are the main arguments.
Source: Alimenta
Download: PDF-File (German / French, 1.52 MB)
Nanoparticles in food are regulated insufficiently
January 24th, 2009
Tiny nanoparticles in Swiss foods are safe for the consumer. However, for the future we need clear policies to enable an estimation of risk.
Source: Tages-Anzeiger
Download: PDF-File (German, 478 KB)
SMEs no longer blind spot of safety and risk management in nanotechnology
September 2008
TÜV SÜD and the Innovation Society offer a risk positioning for SMEs.
Source: Industrieflash
Download: PDF-File (German, 1.45 MB)
Regulate nano-risks
September 16th, 2008
Article - 4th NanoRegulation Conference
Source: Tagblatt
Download: PDF-File (German, 1.57 MB)
Dwarfs for breakfast - Nanotechnology is associated with food in our everyday life
September 12th, 2008
Source: Der Bund
Download: PDF-File (German, 588 KB)
Nanoparticles: Aspects of Safety and Risk Management
August 2008
Source: Journal of Consumer Protection and Food Safety
Download: PDF-File (english with german summary, 267 KB)
Consumer boycott without communication
June 2008
Source: LT Lebensmitteltechnologie
Documents:
Download: PDF-File (German, 241 KB)
Download: PDF-File (English, 180 KB)
Risk assessment and risk management of nanomaterials
March 2008
Source: IZA Sicherheit und Gesundheit
Download: PDF-File (German, 1.6 MB)
How dangerous is nanotechnology? (video)
March 20th, 2008
Program
Einstein (SF1)
Risk Analysis (nanotech)
March 2008
Source: Future Materials
Download: PDF-Datei (English, 3.4 MB)
The business with the tiny particles
February 19th, 2008
Source: Tages-Anzeiger
Download: PDF-File (German, 233 KB)
Nanotechnology - dealing with unknown risks
February 2008
Source: PHI, Christoph Meili / Gerhard Klein
Download: PDF-File (German, 965 KB)
Nanotechnology in food (video)
January 24th, 2007
Program
3sat nano
Website
Small, large nano world
October 2006
Source: Casanova, customer magazine - Sanitas Troesch
Download: PDF-File (German, 1.3 MB)
Fine dust which is supposed to do good
October 17th, 2006
Source: Der Landbote
Download: PDF-File (German, 854 KB)
Nanotech's big issue
September 2006
Source: Nature
Download: PDF-File (English, 182 KB)
Caution Nano: Consumers are clueless (video)
September 12th, 2006
Program
Kassensturz (SF1)
Nanotechnology (video)
May 4th, 2006
Program
MTW (SF1)
Nanotechnology: Innovation with risk potential (video)
May 4th, 2006
Program
10vor10 (SF1)
How nanotechnology is going to change our lives
May 2006
Source: Connect ETH Alumni Magazin
Download: PDF-File (German, 2.26 MB)
The Achilles tendon of nanotechnology
January 30th, 2006
Source: Neue Zürcher Zeitung
Download: PDF-File (German, 59 KB)
Risk perception - or the art of being afraid "accurately"
June 26th, 2005
Source: Schweizerische Ärztezeitung
Download: PDF-File (German, 98 KB)
Is nano the future food?
May 2005
Source: PackReport 5/2005
Download: PDF-File (German, 395 KB)