Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
In summary, European research on the EHS implications of ENMs has developed into a highly
integrated program over the last 8 years. An emphasis on interdisciplinary and interstate collaboration,
public-private partnerships, research networks, and integrated programs has contributed to supporting
research that is problem-driven and solution-focused. The advantages of that approach are seen in a close
integration between research and practice among multiple constituencies. In contrast, the US model of
investigator-driven research funded by individual agencies with limited strategic oversight has led to
rapid progress in specific fields but less overall coherence than observed in Europe.
Both models have advantages and disadvantages, and there are undoubtedly lessons to be learned
on both sides of the Atlantic. As discussed above and as illustrated in Chapter 4, a systematic and
networked approach to knowledge creation for improved decision-making would have value around the
world. There is considerable opportunity for high-value coordination and integration that can leverage the
strengths of both the European and the US efforts to ensure a global strategic research program. This is
already beginning to occur through informal and formal collaborations between the US and the EU, but
more can be done to ensure efficient and responsive research programs.
NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL COMMITTEE WORKSHOP
On November 7, 2012, the committee held a workshop to obtain input on research progress
since release of its first report, A Research Strategy for Environmental, Health, and Safety Aspects of
Engineered Nanomaterials. An additional focus was on other efforts that were under way to address the
scientific uncertainties and research-infrastructure needs for a robust research approach to EHS issues
related to ENMs. The information gathered informs the present report. The workshop featured
presentations by federal agency and foreign officials, academic researchers, and representatives of
nongovernment organizations and industry on the scientific and regulatory framework for EHS research,
on recent research progress, and on the applications of the research results to risk management. Panel
discussions provided opportunities for expanded dialogue of many of the issues raised during the
workshop presentations. A summary of the workshop is provided as Appendix C of this report.
CONCLUSION
Recent reports provide an opportunity to gauge progress on EHS research related to ENMs and
on the development of infrastructure for such research. The NNI's supplement to the President's 2013
budget offers an opportunity to review intended enhancements of the NNI program that were developed
coincidentally with the publication of the committee's first report. The NNI's supplement to the
president's budget does not meet the requirement of completed and published research, but it does
provide an opportunity to review the trajectory of NNI work in the context of the progress indicators
identified in the committee's first report. Both PCAST (2012) and GAO (2012) provide opportunities to
assess the influence of the committee's 2012 report (NRC 2012) on federal oversight groups: PCAST and
GAO reinforced many of the committee's recommendations, including the need for clear accountability
for NNI spending, particularly on EHS research, for “top-down” strategic direction, and for additional,
targeted research funding.
The EC research model aligns more closely with calls for accountability and top-down strategic
direction and has been highly successful in stimulating effective research partnerships and integrated
approaches to complex challenges. Although there are limitations to that approach, lessons from the EU
FP7 program in particular may be usefully applied in the United States. FP7 has been successful in
leading to multidisciplinary research programs that are driven by specific safety challenges (for example,
the MARINA 6 research program is explicitly focused on developing reference methods that support risk
management of engineered nanomaterials), programs that facilitate public-private partnerships (for
6 http://www.marina-fp7.eu/.
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