Nanokonferansen 2013 SafeNano Norway in 2013 - from concept to reality? Andy Booth Technology for a better society 1
Network Aim Create a self-sustaining national network for research scientists and industry to develop safe nanotechnology and increase public confidence in nanoproducts Technology for a better society 2
Objectives To facilitate knowledge transfer To create a forum in which discussion of ideas takes place To address challenges and concerns regarding nanomaterials To provide an opportunity for people involved in nanomaterial safety to meet Technology for a better society 3
Origins Concept originally developed in 2009 by SINTEF following dialogue with RCN NANOMAT programme 7 other research institutes and universities joined the initiative Funding for the network was 50% from the RCN and 50% from the partners (140 knok) Technology for a better society 4
Target Members Industry Government and Public Research Institutes and Universities Non- Government Organisations A positive environment for ALL stakeholders in Norway Technology for a better society 5
Membership in 2013 Approximately 10-15 'active members' Approximately 30 'passive members' Industry Research Institute University International National Government Active members are from RIs, universities and RCN Technology for a better society 6
Is the Network functioning? YES..and NO Technology for a better society 7
An honest reflection Learning (or not) from previous experiences Other networks Did not receive a influx of phone calls from Norwegian industry enquiring about how we can all work together! More recently, government strategy and the goals of the RCN have changed this Technology for a better society 8
Membership fatigue People are already members of too many forums, networks, organisations etc Too much information (email) Not enough relevant information Not enough time! Includes both network users and coordinators Technology for a better society 9
Funding challenges Sadly, money doesn't grow on trees. and getting people to part with it is surprisingly difficult! Once the initial budget was used, it was very difficult to maintain resource hungry aspects of the network: Website (and updates) Information to members Workshops Technology for a better society 10
Successes (or, it is not all bad!) Improved knowledge of the scope of R&D activities in Norway Improved communication between relevant institutions within Norway Clearer understanding of ongoing nanosafety research between different fields: Human health Environment Ethics Legal and Social Aspects (ELSA) Technology for a better society 11
Role of the RCN From the very beginning the RCN (NANOMAT and latterly NANO2021) has been integral to the success of the network: Focal point for activities within the network Source of national and international information Facilitator of introductions and collaborations SUPPORT! Technology for a better society 12
Moving forward projects Introducing the right people to each other awareness and sharing national resources Building on existing collaborations and developing new collaborations and partnerships Coordinated national activity towards large scale projects: National EU Technology for a better society 13
EU Project: NANoREG A common European approach to the regulatory testing of nanomaterials 59 partners from 15 EU countries 6 partners from Norway 5 year project, 20% EU funding, started 1.3.13 Norway (10%) Austria Belgium Denmark Finland France Germany Ireland Italy Netherlands Norway Portugal Spain Sweden Switzerland United Kingdom Technology for a better society 14
NANO2021 Project: NanoSURE Safe, Sustainable and Responsible Development of Nanomaterials 10 partners from across Norway Representing, human health, environment and ELSA Proposal submitted in February 2013 Technology for a better society 15
NanoSURE: Communication WP Would continue some of the networking activities established by SafeNano Would specifically target dialogue with industry and the public aim to increase active participation Would create an active easily accessible traditional and social media presence Would raise awareness of efforts currently underway to address the safety concerns regarding nanotechnology Technology for a better society 16
Objectives Revisited To facilitate knowledge transfer To create a forum in which discussion of ideas takes place To address challenges and concerns regarding nanomaterials To provide an opportunity for people involved in nanomaterial safety to meet But.all of these objectives could have been achieved to a more significant level Technology for a better society 17
The future Clearly the network will/does not function in the idealised way in which it was conceived Hopefully the network will continue to act as a national resource: Knowledge base Advisory role for government, industry and public R&D activities Depends on future project funding as to how much of the infrastructure can be viably maintained Technology for a better society 18
Thanks To those who have actively contributed to the network over the last few years To the RCN for their continued support of the network and for the invitation to present here today To you for your kind attention! Technology for a better society 19
Questions alternative version What are your experiences of similar types of networks? As a coordinator As a member Where do you think the network can viably go from here? How would you improve the network what activities should be considered? Technology for a better society