Regulation of Nanomaterials at the 9th International Nano-Authorities-Dialogue in Vaduz (FL)
The 9th International Nano-Authorities-Dialogue took place on June 10 and 11, 2015, at the invitation of the Agency of Environment of the principality of Liechtenstein. More than 50 representatives of ministries, agencies, research institutes and companies from Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein addressed the topic "governance and regulation of nanomaterials". Diverse introductory presentations inspired discussions about the requirements and the need for future regulation of nanomaterials from different perspectives. The expectations of the industry towards regulatory authorities were identified and measures for a common proceeding for a sustainable development of nanotechnologies were discussed. The Nano-Authorities-Dialogue takes place on a rotational basis in the German speaking countries and is organised by The Innovation Society, St.Gallen.
On June 10 and 11, 2015, more than 50 representatives of ministries, agencies, research institutes and companies meet in Vaduz at the invitation of the Agency of Environment of Liechtenstein on the 9th International Nano-Authorities-Dialogue. Helmut Kindle of the Agency of Environment welcomed the participants from Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
This year's Authorities-Dialogue took place under the heading "governance of nanomaterials: regulatory need and perspectives". The event was devided into two parts: a pre-conference for regulatory agencies on the first day, followed by a prolific exchange of ideas about the expectations and possible measures between regulatory bodies and industry representatives on the second day.
Pre-Conference: State of science and regulation
As an introduction to the discussion about the "status quo" of nano-regulation, safety research and development, Otto Linher of the European Commission presented the state of regulation at EU level as well as possible adaptations of the regulation (e.g. of REACH Annexes). A follow-up presentation of Wolfang Parak of the University of Marburg highlighted the evolution of research into nanomaterials, especially in medicine. Besides promising applications he also mentioned the need for improved characterisation of new materials.
Reports about the toxicology of nanomaterials by Barbara Rothen-Rutishauser of the University of Fribourg (human toxicology), Kristin Schirmer of EAWAG (environmental toxicology) and Harald Krug of EMPA (state of safety research) completed the pre-conference presentations. The afternoon of the first day was organised in workshops on the topics environmental, consumer, and occupational safety followed by a concluding synthesis.
Common measures and responsibilities in the use of nanomaterials
The synthesis of the first day revealed priority fields of action from the view of agencies. These were presented to industry representatives on the second day. In turn, the views and needs of diverse industrial stakeholders were presented by Hoda Tawfik of MagForce AG, Carolin Kranz of BASF SE, Michael Jung of Nanogate AG, Hans-Jürgen Klockner of the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI) and Andreas Falk of BioNanoNet. Different applications of nanomaterials were introduced and expectations towards the regulatory agencies were formulated. Subsequently, specific possibilities of cooperation as well as questions of responsibilities for the safety of nanoproducts were discussed.
The outline of a "roadmap 2020" on the regulation of nanomaterials constituted the finish of the Nano-Authorities-Dialogue 2015. The roadmap includes suggestions for joint measures to ensure the safe and sustainable use of nanomaterials. The results of the dialogue are the basis for further discussions about regulatory need on a national as well as the European level.
The 10th International Nano-Authorities-Dialogue will take place in Spring 2016 in Switzerland at the invitation of the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN).
About the International Nano-Authorities-Dialogue
The International Nano-Authorities-Dialogue is an annual dialogue-platform of German speaking EHS agencies (D, A, CH, FL). Its goal is the informal, international exchange on current topics in nano-governance. The platform was founded in 2008 and is organised and moderated by The Innovation Society, St.Gallen on behalf of the agencies.
Questions & Contact:
Manfred Frick, Amt für Umwelt, Abteilung Umweltschutz
T +423 236 61 94 / +423 756 61 94
Christoph Meili, Die Innovationsgesellschaft, St. Gallen
T +41 71 278 02 06
Source: Die Innovationsgesellschaft, St. Gallen
Image source: © 2015 - Die Innovationsgesellschaft, St. Gallen