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This workshop brings together experts from diverse disciplines to evaluate how the field of risk analysis can address the considerable uncertainties currently associated with impacts from nanoscale materials and nanotechnologies.  The rapidly expanding development and use of nanoscale materials has generated new challenges for the approaches historically applied to guide health, safety, and environmental protection.  Unique properties of these materials could have significant implications for basic components of the traditional paradigm for informing risk management decisions:  hazard identification, exposure and dose-response assessments, and risk characterization. 
These properties may confound the accurate assessment of potential risks and could require changes in how these risks are communicated to stakeholders and managed by policymakers.  NanoRisk Analysis will bring together experts and others from the growing community interested in advancing the theory and practice for understanding and managing risks of these emerging materials. Workshop objectives are two-fold:

• Identify integrated risk analysis approaches to address the unique challenges posed by nanotechnology and nanomaterials.  
• Enhance and establish collaborative networks to advance the science and understanding of nanomaterials. 

Participants

This workshop will convene experts in risk analysis, nanotechnology, environmental science, communication, and policy, as well as key stakeholders and members of the public interested in risk analysis, public health, communication, and nanotechnology. This workshop is open to the public.

Format

A mix of invited presentations, panels, and deliberative breakout sessions will focus on unique aspects of the risks of nanoscale materials and risk analysis for these materials.  Ideas for advancing the science regarding key aspects of risk analysis for these emerging materials will be developed in facilitated topical discussions.

Themes

Topical white papers developed for the workshop will provide the foundation for deliberations on: material characterization, exposure assessment, toxicology and dose-response assessment, uncertainty analysis, risk characterization (including risk reduction benefits of nanotechnology), and risk communication.
Schedule

Day one:  plenary overview and panels.  An introductory plenary presentation will anchor targeted presentations and panel discussions on specific white papers prepared by experts in risk analysis and nanotechnology. The afternoon session will feature a round table debate on the scientific requirements to ensure the safety of nanomaterials in products.

Day two:  breakout sessions and integrated summary.  Interactive discussions will address core themes, including exposure assessment, toxicology, uncertainty analysis, risk communication, and risk/benefit tradeoffs.  Session chairs will present plenary report-outs. 

Products

The topical white papers and deliberative discussions will be integrated into a publication series, intended as a resource for researchers and others interested in risk analysis and nanotechnology.

Location

NanoRisk Analysis will be held at:
Cafritz Conference Center
George Washington University
800 21st Street NW
Washington, DC  20006
The Cafritz Conference Center is located on the third floor of the Marvin Center.  The main entrance of the Center is on 21st Street between H and I Streets.

Sponsors

Sponsor:

• Emerging Nanoscale Materials Specialty Group, Society for Risk Analysis (SRA)

Co-sponsors:

• National Science Foundation                      
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• Johns Hopkins Institute for NanoBioTechnology
• U.S. DOD.Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program
• Women’s Council for Energy and Environment
• International Life Sciences Institute- Health and Environmental Science Institute
• Evonik-Degussa

Additional professional societies, governmental agencies, and industry groups are invited to co-sponsor this multi-organizational workshop.

Key Speakers Include

• Ann Bostrom, PhD (Professor University of Washington)
  
• Rick Canady, PhD (Senior Science Policy Analyst, FDA Nanotechnology Task Force)
  
• Shaun Clancy, (Director, Product Regulatory Services, Evonik)
  
• Steffi Friedrichs (Director, Nanotechnology Industry Association)
  
• Kristen Kulinowski, PhD (Director, International Council on Nanotechnology, Rice University)
  
• Garrick Louis, PhD (Professor, University of Virginia)
  
• Andrew Maynard, PhD (Science Advisor, Project on Emerging Nanotech, Woodrow Wilson Center)
  
• Peter Preuss, PhD (Director, EPA National Center for Environmental Assessment)
  
• Nancy Rachman, PhD (Senior Director, Grocery Manufacturers Association)
  
• Lorraine Sheremeta, JD (Research Officer, National Institute for Nanotechnology, Canada)
  
• Nigel Walker, PhD (Lead, Nanotechnology Safety Initiative, National Toxicology Program)
  

To Register

CLICK HERE

Contact

Jo Anne Shatkin, PhD
CLICK HERE to send email
Chair, SRA Specialty Group, Emerging Nanoscale Materials