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European Commission adopts Code of Conduct for Responsible Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies Research
Published: Thursday 7 February 2008
The European Commission recommended to the Member States to adopt a code of conduct for responsible nanosciences and nanotechnologies. The Commission Recommendation of 7th February 2008 on a code of conduct for responsible nanosciences and nanotechnologies research highlights the history of the EC’s initiatives in nanosciences and nanotechnologies recommends:
- That Member States be guided by the general principles and guidelines for actions to be taken, set out in the Code of Conduct for Responsible Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies Research, […].
- That Member States endeavour to follow these general principles and guidelines when implementing their national regulatory research and development strategies […].
- That the Member States inform the Commission by 30 June 2008 and annually thereafter of any measures they have taken further to this Recommendation, inform it of the first results of its application and provide good practices.
The Code is based around 7 general principles:
Meaning: N&N research activities should be comprehensible to the public. They should respect fundamental rights and be conducted in the interest of the well-being of individuals and society in their design, implementation, dissemination and use.
Sustainability: N&N research activities should be safe, ethical and contribute to sustainable development. They should not harm or threaten people, animals, plants or the environment, at present or in the future.
Precaution: N&N research activities should be conducted in accordance with the precautionary principle, anticipating potential environmental, health and safety impacts of N&N outcomes and taking due precautions, proportional to the level of protection, while encouraging progress for the benefit of society and the environment.
Inclusiveness: Governance of N&N research activities should be guided by the principles of openness to all stakeholders, transparency and respect for the legitimate right of access to information. It should allow the participation in decision-making processes of all stakeholders involved in or concerned by N&N research activities.
Excellence: N&N research activities should meet the best scientific standards, including integrity of research and good laboratory practices.
Innovation: Governance of N&N research activities should encourage maximum creativity, flexibility and planning ability for innovation and growth.
Accountability: Researchers and research organisations should remain accountable for the social, environmental and human health impacts of their work.
Follow these links to download the full Commission Recommendation and Code of Conduct, or to read the press release.