The European Commission has launched a public consultation on a new Nanotechnologies Action Plan.

After publication of the 2^nd Implementation Plan of the European Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies: An action plan for Europe 2005-2009, the Commission considers it especially important to address the technological and societal challenges of this type of technology for the next five years.

The aim of the new Action Plan is twofold:

1. to implement a dynamic and responsive policy addressing legal, societal and ethical issues and
2. to strengthen research and innovation efforts with increased emphasis on sustainable development and competitiveness and with more attention to health, safety and environmental issues.

The Commission Public Consultation website states the following appeal from the Commission:

‘We need to understand how nanomaterials interact with living organisms in order to ensure their safety and learn how they affect the environment throughout their life-cycle. This is important for ensuring product safety and a high level of protection of human health and the environment, while grasping the full benefits of nanotechnologies. Work on effective implementation of regulation will continue in parallel.

A climate of trust that includes a direct and continuous societal dialogue and interdisciplinary collaboration is key for achieving the objectives described above.’

Deadline for contributions to the public consultation is the 19^th February 2010. The Commission will publish a summary paper and may publish individual contributions.

The consultation is conducted in the form of an online questionnaire; a preview of the questionnaire can be downloaded, in order to prepare responses.

Follow this link to find out more about or to submit contributions to the Commission’s public consultation Towards a Strategic Nano Action Plan (SNAP) 2010-2015.