Nanotechnologies
Research Team:
Professor Bob Lee, Lori Frater, Dr Chris Groves,
& Dr Elen Stokes
What are nanotechnologies?
Nanotechnologies are described as ‘technologies of the tiny’, although there is no definitive international definition, it is generally accepted that nanotechnologies involve "the design, characterisation, production and application of structures, devices and systems by controlling shape and size at the nanoscale" (BSI, 2005). Nanoscale particles have one or more dimension of the order of 100 nanometres or less (UNESCO, 2006). Nanotechnologies comprise a disparate array of unrelated technologies that cut across many traditional scientific disciplines, including chemistry, materials science, engineering, physics, biosciences, medicine and environmental sciences.
Background to Research
The pace of development within nanotechnologies is resulting in an explosion of commercial activity, with predictions valuing the world nanotechnology market between $1 and $3 trillion by 2015. The production of nanomaterials inevitably raises questions about safety, especially in light of the paucity of information relating to the risks they might pose. Whilst technological advancement is commonly perceived as a social good, it might also have a negative impact, for example, on human health or the environment. The striking of a balance – between scientific progress and risk aversion – is brought into sharp focus in relation to nanotechnologies and the deliberate engineering of free nanoparticles, indeed, nanotechnologies are expected to affect almost every aspect of our lives (DTI, 2002). There is little agreement, however, over their health and environmental implications, and the most appropriate approach to managing associated risks.
The regulation of potential risks associated with ‘new technologies’ raises important questions about the setting of safety standards in situations of scientific uncertainty. Whereas traditionally regulatory standards are informed by and set in accordance with firm evidence of harm, technologies giving rise to unprecedented threats, whose likely implications may be broadly characterised but are essentially uncertain, force a re-evaluation of the role of scientific knowledge in determining the regulatory landscape. BRASS research tackles many of the issues raised in relation to the regulation of the development, manufacture, use and disposal of nanomaterials.
Key Research Areas
legislative frameworks, regulatory theory, regulation of risk, sociology of risk and uncertainty, the role of the precautionary principle
