Nanotechnologies
Research Team: Professor Bob Lee, Lori Frater, Dr Chris Groves & Dr Elen Stokes
What are nanotechnologies?
Nanotechnologies are described as ‘technologies of the tiny’, although there is no definitive international definition, it is generally accepted that nanotechnologies involve "the design, characterisation, production and application of structures, devices and systems by controlling shape and size at the nanoscale" (BSI, 2005). Nanoscale particles have one or more dimension of the order of 100 nanometres or less (UNESCO, 2006). Nanotechnologies comprise a disparate array of unrelated technologies that cut across many traditional scientific disciplines, including chemistry, materials science, engineering, physics, biosciences, medicine and environmental sciences.
Background to Research
The pace of development within nanotechnologies is resulting in an explosion of commercial activity, with predictions valuing the world nanotechnology market between $1 and $3 trillion by 2015. The production of nanomaterials inevitably raises questions about safety, especially in light of the paucity of information relating to the risks they might pose. Whilst technological advancement is commonly perceived as a social good, it might also have a negative impact, for example, on human health or the environment. The striking of a balance – between scientific progress and risk aversion – is brought into sharp focus in relation to nanotechnologies and the deliberate engineering of free nanoparticles, indeed, nanotechnologies are expected to affect almost every aspect of our lives (DTI, 2002). There is little agreement, however, over their health and environmental implications, and the most appropriate approach to managing associated risks.
The regulation of potential risks associated with ‘new technologies’ raises important questions about the setting of safety standards in situations of scientific uncertainty. Whereas traditionally regulatory standards are informed by and set in accordance with firm evidence of harm, technologies giving rise to unprecedented threats, whose likely implications may be broadly characterised but are essentially uncertain, force a re-evaluation of the role of scientific knowledge in determining the regulatory landscape. BRASS research tackles many of the issues raised in relation to the regulation of the development, manufacture, use and disposal of nanomaterials.
Key Research Areas
legislative frameworks, regulatory theory, regulation of risk, sociology of risk and uncertainty, the role of the precautionary principle.
Outputs
Reports
C. Groves, Nanotechnology in the UK, 2011-2020: A Delphi Exercise – Final Report, May 2011
An Overview of the Framework of Current Regulation affecting the Development and Marketing of Nanomaterials
• An Examination of the Nature and Application among the Nanotechnologies Industries of Corporate Social Responsibility in the Context of Safeguarding the Environment and Human Health
Articles
REACHing Down: Nanomaterials and Chemical Safety in the EU, Lee R and Vaughan S, Journal of Law, Innovation and Technology, 2 (2) (2010) 193-217
Within REACH, Lee R and Vaughan S, The Chemical Engineer, June (2008) 20-21
Regulating Nanotechnologies: Sizing Up the Options, Stokes E, Legal Studies, 29 (2) (2009) 281-304
Twenty First Century Novel: Regulating Nanotechnologies , Lee R and Stokes E, Journal of Environmental Law, 21 (3) (2009) 469 -482 ISSN 0952-8873
Nanotechnology, Contingency and Finitude, Groves, C. (2008) in Nanoethics, 3 (1), Springer, March 2008
Self interest, Self restraint and Corporate Responsibility for nano-technologies: Emerging Dilemmas for Modern Managers, Lee R and Jose, P D, Technology Analysis and Strategic Management, 20 (2008)
Other Publications
E. Stokes, R. Lee, L. Frater, Regulation, responsibility, safety and risk, July 2009, A Beacon or Just a Landmark: Reflections on the Royal Society/Royal Academy of Engineering Report, Nanoscience and nanotechnologies: opportunities and uncertainties
Working Papers
"CSR in the UK Nanotechnology Industry: Attitudes and Prospects" - Chris Groves, Robert Lee, Lori Frater, Gavin Harper, BRASS Working Paper Series Number 57
"Nanotechnology and the Regulatory Environment: A Synopsis", Chris Groves, Elen Stokes., Robert Lee, Lori Frater and Taiwo Oriola (2008), BRASS Working Paper Series number 45
Consultation Responses
• House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology, Inquiry into Nanotechnology and Food, 2009
• Response to Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution on Environmental Effects of Novel Materials and Novel Applications of Existing Materials
Presentations
• C. Groves, Future Conflicts: On the Politics of Uncertainty, Transformation and the Dynamics of (Radical) Change: Insights from Political Theory and Philosophy, School of Politics, International Studies & Philosophy, Queen’s University Belfast, 28-29 November 2008
C. Groves, Public perception of nanotechnology: is it all about risk?, NanoMaterial Conference, 2010
C. Groves, Narratives, Uncertainty and Nanoethics, Cardiff University NanoNet Meeting 2008, Julian Hodge Lecture Theatre, Cardiff University, 13 November 2008
R. Lee, Bringing Nanotechnology Products to Market - how to engender public confidence and exceed the requirements of regulators, London, May 2008
E. Stokes & L. Frater Nanomaterials – Where are the Gaps in Regulation?
U.K. Environmental Law Association Conference, Bath, June 2007
L. Frater, Controlling Nanotechnologies
Which? Nanotechnologies Citizen Panel, Birmingham, December 2007
L. Frater Current Regulations Affecting the Development & Marketing of Nanomaterials
Cardiff Nanoscience Network 2nd Annual Meeting, Cardiff, November 2007
Evidence
Oral Evidence to Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution on Novel Materials
http://www.rcep.org.uk/minutes/min08-01.pdf
Policy Briefings
http://www.brass.cf.ac.uk/uploads/NanotechPBD.pdf
Comment and Analysis
C, Groves, 'Whose Nanotechnology?'
Current Areas of Research
Nanotechnology in the UK, 2011-2020: A Delphi Exercise
This research, which was based on Delphi exercises involving a panel of 13 experts looked at four scenarios, which outline how various relevant factors (commercial environment, regulatory developments, science base, social acceptance) may combine to shape the next ten years of innovation in nanotechnologies in the UK. The goal of this research is to register key research needs in relation to the governance of NST, and particularly with regard to the framing of innovation and regulatory policy, which will contribute to setting the research agenda for policy makers and social scientists concerned with NST in the UK over the next 2-5 years, and particularly with factors which will contribute to its environmental and social sustainability.
Defining Uncertainties around Nanotech: the Role of Public Participation
This research focuses on the specification of uncertainty, and what relationship between uncertainty, public deliberation, and government action is built into design.
Previous Areas of Research
An Examination of the Nature and Application among the Nanotechnologies Industry of Corporate Social Responsibility in the Context of Safeguarding the Environment and Human Health
The aim of this research is to assess the role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a voluntary and self-regulatory approach by industry itself to tackle these potential risks. The project, seeks to assess the impact of the nature and application of CSR as a tool for the nanotechnologies industry to address some of the associated environmental and human health risks. The main objective of the project is to evaluate what motivates or inhibits industry to adopt responsible practices by applying a societal approach to risk assessment and risk management based on CSR principles.
Nanotechnology/Ethics and Politics of Uncertainty
This research focuses on the ethics of risk/uncertainty by developing commentary on some key ethical issues surrounding uncertainty. It considers two elements: a) the scientific and commercial development of nanotechnologies and b) the regulatory view of nanotech in different regulatory regimes. The research approach considers how the ethical/conceptual level and the regulatory/legal level mutually inform one another.
Overview of Regulatory Framework a report for the DTI (now DBERR)
In 2006, BRASS was appointed by the Office of Science & Innovation (OSI) to conduct provide an analysis of the potential gaps in the regulation of the development, manufacture, supply, use and end of life of free engineered nanoparticles. The project considered current and future foreseeable applications of nanomaterials and mapped these applications against existing regulatory frameworks that might govern the lifecycle of these materials. The assessed regulations serve a number of purposes including: controls on marketing; health and safety, consumer and environmental protection; and waste regulation. 60 separate pieces of regulation were subjected to careful legal scrutiny of their capacity to fulfil basic risk governance functions, which included
