European Commission Recommendation on a code of conduct for responsible nanosciences and nanotechnologies research

"TOWARDS A CODE OF CONDUCT FOR RESPONSIBLE NANOSCIENCES AND NANOTECHNOLOGIES RESEARCH" 

CONSULTATION PAPER Summary:    
Nanosciences and nanotechnologies are enabling technologies, more and more pervasive in potentially all technological fields and expected to bring substantial benefits across many sectors, such as chemistry, material sciences, health and energy just to name a few. Industry and research are increasingly using them and some nano-products are already being mass-produced.

Knowledge gaps remain concerning the exposure risks associated with nanomaterials and nanotechnologies. Considered as the next strategic technology, confidence in its safety and consequently public acceptance are preconditions for the application and commercialisation of nanotechnology-based products. The development and use of nanotechnologies should not be unbalanced or left to chance.  

Research has a key role to play in this context. On the one hand it develops new technologies for application in industry and throughout society and on the other hand it investigates the potential risks and establishes the appropriate measures to take.

In order to promote safe and responsible  nanotechnology research and pave the way to its safe and responsible application and use, the European Commission is planning to adopt a voluntary Code of Conduct for Responsible Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies Research ("the Code of Conduct"). This Code of Conduct would take the form of a European Commission Recommendation and would invite the Member States, industry, universities, funding organisations, researchers and other interested parties to follow its principles. The Commission itself would follow these principles in its own action under the Community research policy.

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Find Commission Recommendation on a code of conduct