Timing, hosts and locations of (grouped) events of NanoImpactNet

NanoSafetyCluster ‐ Compendium 2012
batches and identify the source of such variability.
Strategies to reduce this variability will be developed.
� JRA2 ‐ development of reliable labelling: A reliable strategy
has been developed to isotopically label ZnO nanoparticles
to allow for detection in in vivo experimental models;
Fluorescently labelled nanoparticles are currently being
synthesised and characterised.
� JRA 3 ‐ Development and validation of characterisation
tools for nanoparticles in situ: a protocol has been
developed and refined for single particle Inductively
coupled mass spectrometry (SP‐ICP‐MS); Training in the
application of this protocol will be provided to JRA3
partners (and external researchers), and the protocol will
be used to perform a round robin study to quantitatively
assess the presence and composition of nanoparticles in
complex organic mixtures.
� JRA 4 ‐ Development of optimal modes of presentation of
nanoparticles for quantitative reproducibility: A literature
survey has been undertaken to identify the most widely
used methods to present nanoparticles to in vitro cell
systems; the most promising are being chosen as
candidates for round robin testing in order to determine
the method that produces the most reproducible and
homogenous dose of nanoparticles across all cells in the
culture. Effect of cell division / cell cycle on dose and
uptake of nanoparticles is also being assessed.
� JRA 5 ‐ Towards development of alternative in vitro tests:
This WP is scheduled to commence research activities in
February 2012. JRA 5 has secured a session at the ESOF
2012 (European Science Open Forum conference (11‐15
July, 2012, Dublin) http://www.dublinscience2012.ie/. The
session is entitled ‘What realistic alternatives are there to
animal testing to ensure safe introduction of new
technologies?’ and will be a panel discussion targeted at
scientists, policy makers and industry. The session is part of
ESOF 2012 Theme 5. Science: Reshaping the frontiers of
knowledge.
� The vision of QNano is thus a unified and continuous flow
of knowledge and information, from discovery to
implementation and dissemination, enhancing the overall
access, and service available to the research community
(the Users), and raising the quality of the research outputs
from the whole field.
6 Next steps and how to get involved in
QNano
Year 2 will be an exciting one for QNano, with the first
Transnational Access Users undertaking their research visits at
the various partner facilities, with two additional transnational
Access calls planned (opening 1st May 2012 and 1st November
2012). Additionally, there is an exciting schedule of theoretical
and hands‐on (laboratory) training events for young
researchers, as well as events to engage with and assess the
needs of industry with regards to nanomaterials safety
assessment. Results will begin to emerge from many of the JRA
WPs, and every effort will be made to disseminate this to the
relevant stakeholder communities in an appropriate manner.
There are a number of ways that researchers and other
stakeholders can get involved in QNano, including:
� TA for researchers (must be Transnational), which can also
include industry researchers, as long as there is some
published output from the funded research visit which
acknowledges the funding from QNano;
� Via the Expert Resource Group which are external advisory
groups supporting QNano in terms of activities. Expert
groups on Toxicology, Eco‐toxicology, Alternative
methods (in vitro), Biological Methods, and to promote
engagement within ongoing international efforts in
Regulation, Standardisation and other International issues
(e.g. databases);
� Via identification of training needs / support for
development of training events to address gaps;
� Via RR processes on specific topics / protocol
development / testing / nomination of nanomaterials etc.;
� Via participation in User Selection panels.
Members and stakeholders from the nanosafety and
nanomedicine communities are invited to participate in these
activities, and can express their interest in this via an initial email
to the QNano project office (project‐office@qnano‐ri.eu) who
will forward your details to the relevant persons depending on
where you wish to contribute.
250 Compendium of Projects in the European NanoSafety Cluster