1
Dec 2005
The Royal Society and The Royal Academy of Engineering
today welcomed the publication of the Government's research
programme into the potential risks of nanoparticles but
encouraged the government to earmark new money for research
into potential health impacts.
The Government's research programme, 'Characterising
the potential risks posed by engineered nanoparticles',
reveals that no money has been specifically set aside
for important research into, for example, how nanoparticles
ultra small pieces of material might penetrate the
skin. Sufficient money also needs to be set aside
for research into the potential environmental impacts
of nanoparticles.
Professor Ann Dowling, who chaired the Royal Society
and Royal Academy of Engineering report into nanotechnologies,
said: "The Government has identified sound
priorities for the research needed to develop safety
regulations which will ensure that we fully and responsibly
realise the benefits of this exciting science. But
we are concerned that its approach to funding this
research is rather ad hoc. Rather than strategically
building a programme, with a dedicated pot of money,
to explore any potential health and environmental
risks associated with nanoparticles it is primarily
relying on individual research teams to come forward
with proposals and compete against other research
areas for funding. This approach leaves it to chance
that the right research will be undertaken and runs
the risk that the Government will ultimately miss
its research objectives as set out in today's report."
Last year's report by the Royal Society and Royal
Academy of Engineering showed that most nanotechnologies
pose no new risks, but highlighted uncertainties
about the potential effects if nanoparticles were
released into the environment.
The two academies today warned that the research
needed to underpin safety regulations must keep pace
with the rapid development of the science. Under
current plans, the amount of funding for research
is unlikely to be reviewed prior to the 2007 Comprehensive
Spending Review.
An additional benefit of earmarked funding would
be to encourage the necessary expansion of the UK
nanotechnology research community working on safety
issues. The report into nanotechnologies by the Royal
Society and Royal Academy of Engineering, recommended
that a dedicated centre be set up to act as a focal
point for such a research community to develop around.
The Government needs to expand on its research programme
to make clear how scientists working in the UK will
coordinate and collaborate with those undertaking
similar work internationally.
The Royal Society and Royal Academy of Engineering
expressed their concern about the apparent lack of
collaboration between Government and industry to
develop safety testing or public dialogue activities.
The two academies welcomed the £4 million
that has been set aside for the measurement and characterisation
of nanoparticles. This research will underpin the
assessment of their risks.
The academies also welcomed the Government's commitment
to engaging the public in a dialogue concerning the
development of nanotechnologies and looks forward
to assessing whether these activities have influenced
the development of policy.
The academies praised the cross government approach
taken to produce this research programme.
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