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

management and reliability, especially as data are often shown to
be even contradictory.
Thus, studies focusing on the behaviour of nanoparticles systems
in biological settings are being carried out in many areas of the
world but their results are not always transferable or directly
applicable.
The SIINN ERA-NET has therefore been devised in order to also
overcome this problem by setting the conditions through joint,
transnational cooperation at government or regional level within
Europe which will enable science and society to be provided with
reliable data which can be implemented for the safe use of
engineered nanomaterials.
A common database platform which will allow entry and searching
from a unique starting point in the various existing nanosafety
data sources (verified by SIINN) will therefore be developed and
implemented as a tool to aid programme owners and
implementers in deciding on future research themes. This tool will,
as a spin-off of the SIINN ERA-NET, be made available to all
interested stakeholders (government, industry, education,
research, standardisation bodies) via the SIINN website.
Europe maintains a strong nanotechnology research base, heavily
supported by public funding in nanotechnology research at both
European Union and national levels. SIINN will launch at least two
joint transnational research calls in the field of nanosafety,
nanotoxicology and risk assessment during its initial three-year life.
This joint effort could ultimately lead to joint RTD programmes
being developed between the EU Member and FP7/FP8 Associated
States involved. In the mid-to-long term, joint activities with key
countries outside of Europe (e.g. the USA or Japan) are also
feasible.
Today, current nanosafety research is concentrating on the
characterisation of occupationally relevant airborne nanoparticles,
the definition of an appropriate consensus on the chemical and
physical parameters to be considered in EHS risk assessment and
the development of appropriate standardised test methods to be
employed. SIINN will augment these by including deliverables that
are aimed at establishing "recommended practices" for the safe
handling of nanoscale materials.
At the end of the project’s initial three years, SIINN will have
established a coordinated, transnational programme of nanosafety
and nanotoxicology-related activities across Europe which will
address the potential environmental, health and safety
implications of nanoscale materials, and which will include the
development of standards for environmental and toxicological
studies of nanoparticles and a metrology infrastructure supporting
these standards.
3 Current Status of SIINN ERA-NET
The SIINN ERA-NET started its work on August 1, 2011. The kick-offmeeting
on September 19 and 20, 2011 in Berlin established the
structures and confirmed the readiness of the partners to
cooperate on establishment of joint research activities. The
meeting of the SIINN Steering Committee on December 12, 2011 in
Brussels has reviewed the progress. Decisions were taken towards
the preparation for the first joint SIINN call in March 2012.
NanoSafetyCluster - Compendium 2012
At the end of 2011, after five months, the six Work Packages (WP)
have reached the following major results:
Within WP1, the important criteria and terms in the area of NM
toxicology were defined and the health and safety relevant
information which is currently available from, and to Europe were
examined. Based on the analysis of this information, WP1 identified
important knowledge gaps with respect to occurrence and toxicity
of manufactured nanomaterials.
Within WP2, an inventory of directed liaisons, initiatives and
actions with respect to the national activities of the SIINN partner
countries and regions was started. Contacts to the major
international organizations active in the field N&N safety have
been initiated. The preparation of a common database platform
has been started and is ongoing.
WP3 started an inventory of existing characterization methods and
a data collection with respect to evidence-based EHS risk
assessment for human health and environmental safety
progresses.
WP4 has established preliminary parameters and procedures for
the first joint call for proposals. The first call is intended to be
launched in March 2012. The boundary conditions for the call and a
draft of the Memorandum of Understanding have been prepared.
Approximately 10 funding organization from different
countries/regions have expressed their principal interest in
participation.
WP5 has established the SIINN webpage (www.siinn.eu). The PR
and communication plan has been accepted by the partners. An
information campaign in the context of the first call for proposals
is under preparation.
WP6 has established the management structures and bodies and is
assuring their smooth functioning. The contractual arrangements
have been adapted to the present actual status.
4 Summary of SIINN’s Key Expected Impacts
• Strengthening of the European Research Area in
nanoscience and nanotechnology,
• Decrease in RTD fragmentation and improvement in the
coordination and exploitation of synergies between the
owners of national funding programmes, other
authorities related to N&N and nanosafety, the
corresponding research community and industry,
including an enhanced interaction with the EU
Framework Programme, Generation of a programme of
transnational RTD, initially for nanosafety and EHS
assessment,
• Generation of a carefully examined set of data which will
allow reliable guidelines for the development of legal
frameworks (e.g. precautionary measures and steps
towards regulations) to be developed to increase safety
and reduce risks through all stages of a product’s lifecycle,
from R&D to disposal and recycling,
Compendium of Projects in the European NanoSafety Cluster 273