IOM's SAFEnano Initiative announced as DTI's newest Nanotechnology Centre
Institute of Occupational Medicine awarded contract for nanotechnology risk information service.
Thursday 2nd November 2006: Edinburgh, UK.
The Institute Of Occupational Medicine's 'Safenano Initiative' has today officially been named as one of the DTI's 22 Nanotechnology Centres.
The initiative will provide strategic, independent and impartial advice to stakeholders including Industry, Academia and the network of Nanotechnology Centres, concerning the potential risks to human health and the environment from Nanomaterials.
Safenano.org, due for launch in April 2007, will take the form of a web-based information service with helpdesk support, together with a regular bulletin service and comprehensive database of relevant publications. Emerging scientific evidence concerning the potential risks of nanoparticles and nanotubes, together with information about Health and Safety, Occupational Hygiene, Toxicology and Risk Assessment will be interpreted and delivered to the audience in an integrated way, to support effective risk management.
Commentary and editorial will be provided from experts within the IOM and partners in SnIRC (Safety of Nanoparticles Interdisciplinary Research Centre).
The current project represents the latest stage in IOM's nanotechnology programme which aims to understand, quantify and control risks posed by Nanomaterials to the workforce, consumers, the general population and the environment through research, consultancy and service work for industry and government.
Dr Rob Aitken, Director of the SAFEnano initiative said 'We are extremely pleased to be working with DTI on this important project which represents a real commitment to address nanoparticle risk issues in a coherent way. SAFEnano, by providing independent and impartial advice, will underpin the emerging UK nanotechnology industry and will facilitate the development of new processes and materials in a responsible and safe manner.
The project director is Dr Rob Aitken – Director of Strategic Consulting at IOM.
Bryony Ross - Research Assistant, IOM, is the editor for the SAFEnano Web Service.