A new Government report on the potential risks posed by nanotechnology and the controls that may be needed has been welcomed by the UK Research Councils. The report, Characterising the risks posed by engineered nanoparticles, has been published today.
The Councils, both individually and collectively through the Research Councils UK partnership, are ready to help promote research to further our understanding of nanoparticles, any potential health or environmental risks and any necessary controls. The Research Councils also intend to be involved in public engagement activities to engage the views of a range of people about the future of nanotechnology research.
Catherine Coates at the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, speaking on behalf of Research Councils UK, said, "The Research Councils already fund more than £100 million of research to explore the characteristics of nanoparticles, to develop applications for nanotechnology and to ensure this exciting area of science is used safely. Traditional research funding through ‘responsive’ applications from researchers enables the Research Councils to respond flexibly to requests for support for world-class research in this area. Each Research Council with an interest in nanotechnology will welcome applications for funding from any researcher with a high-calibre proposal that addresses the research priorities in the Government’s report."
The Research Councils intend to work together to build a sustainable research community in the UK. This will enable the country to be at the forefront of improving the understanding and harnessing of nanotechnology.
The multi-disciplinary nature of research into nanoparticles has meant that the Research Councils are establishing a co-ordinating group under the auspices of Research Councils UK. The Research Councils are also working to support networks of researchers, stakeholders and policymakers to help generate new research proposals.
Catherine Coates commented, "The UK economy and society can benefit hugely from the potential of nanotechnology. The Research Councils will work together with other science funders in the UK, Europe and globally to ensure that we all gain maximum benefit but in a responsible and safe manner."
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Contact
Matt Goode, Media Officer
Research Councils UK
Tel: 01793 413299
Notes for editors
The full Government report, Characterising the risks posed by engineered nanoparticles, is available on the Defra website at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/nanotech/index.htm.
Details of the funding mechanisms operated by the Research Councils for research into nanotechnology are listed on pages 53-56 of the report.
Catherine Coates is Director of Planning and Communication at the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.
About Research Councils UK
Research Councils UK (RCUK) is the partnership between the UK's eight Research Councils. Through RCUK, the Research Councils work together to champion the research, training and innovation they support. The Research Councils are independent non-departmental public bodies, funded by the Science Budget through the Office of Science and Technology.
RCUK was created to increase the collective visibility, leadership and policy influence of the Research Councils; to stimulate multi-disciplinary research that encourages collaboration; to provide a single focus for collective dialogue with stakeholders and to encourage greater harmonisation of internal operations.
The partnership is led by the RCUK Executive Group, which meets monthly and comprises the chief executives of the eight Research Councils. The Group is currently chaired by Professor Ian Diamond, Chief Executive of the Economic and Social Research Council.
The eight UK Research Councils are:
- Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC);
- Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC);
- Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils (CCLRC);
- Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC);
- Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC);
- Medical Research Council (MRC);
- Natural Environment Research Council (NERC);
- Particle Physics & Astronomy Research Council (PPARC).