EU Commission Adopts Nanotech Research Guidelines

The European Commission has formally adopted a non-binding code of conduct for nanotechnology and nanosciences (N&N) that includes the precautionary principle, calling on European Union member states to use the guidelines as the basis for nanotechnology research oversight.

The EU code of conduct, adopted February 8, 2008 is based on seven principles covering issues such as precaution, sustainability, and accountability, and is designed to apply to universities, research institutes and companies, the Commission said in a statement.

The seven principles outlined in the code of conduct state the following:

1. Precaution: research should be conducted according to the precautionary principle, anticipating potential environmental, health and safety impacts of N & N outcomes and taking due precautions.
2. Accountability: Researchers and research organizations should remain accountable for the social, environmental and human health impacts of their work.
3. Meaning: N&N research activities should be comprehensible to the public, and respect fundamental rights.
4. Sustainability: N&N research activities should be safe, ethical and contribute to sustainable development.
5. Inclusiveness: Research activities should be transparent and should allow all stakeholders involved in or concerned by N & N research activities to participate in decision-making processes.
6. Excellence: Research should meet the best scientific standards and good laboratory practices.
7. Innovation: Governance of nanotechnology research should promote innovation.

EU officials previewed the code of conduct at a conference in Brussels in December, saying it would be applied for all nanotech research carried out using EU funding. Under the European Union's flagship research and development funding program known as the Seventh Framework Program, roughly $5.1 billion will be spent between over the next five years on joint nanotechnology research projects carried out by EU institutions and organizations.