On December 18, 2024, the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) announced the availability of the National Nanotechnology Initiative Environmental, Health, and Safety Research Strategy: 2024 Update. Prepared by the Nanotechnology Environmental and Health Implications (NEHI) Working Group within the Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology (NSET) Subcommittee of the National Science and Technology Council, the 2024 update builds on the initial 2011 strategy, laying out a comprehensive, integrated approach that reflects current opportunities to enable responsible nanotechnology innovation. The 2024 update is organized into two sections:
- Part A, “Progress toward the 2011 Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Research Strategy Goals.” This section assesses the progress and current research needs for the following six core research areas: (1) nanomaterial measurement infrastructure; (2) human exposure assessment; (3) human health assessment; (4) environmental hazard assessment; (5) risk assessment and risk management methods; and (6) informatics and modeling. Additionally, this strategy introduces a separate, ethical, legal, and societal implications (ELSI)-specific review to consolidate ELSI considerations across all the research areas.
- Part B, “Future Directions.” This section addresses the scope of the research strategy going forward and expands on the unmet needs from Part A, adding specific actions to support the new needs and challenges identified. It also identifies topics and themes that require integrated approaches and cross-disciplinary strategies that merit prioritization for nanotechnology EHS (nanoEHS) research into the future.
The 2024 update outlines the main elements of a strategic action plan, noting that these high-level topics will need further elaboration on the specific approaches and responses necessary to achieve their objectives. NNI “encourages the nanotechnology community to continue to develop the nanoEHS infrastructure to address these needs.” According to the 2024 update, the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office (NNCO), on behalf of NNI, will coordinate NEHI’s efforts to engage stakeholders in organizing “a dynamic and agile response” to the following challenges:
- Addressing the remaining EHS knowledge gaps for engineered nanomaterials in commerce;
- Monitoring and evaluating emerging nanotechnology applications;
- Investigating emerging nanoscale contaminants of concern;
- Strengthening the collaborative informatics infrastructure;
- Increasing engagement with the international nanosafety community; and
- Expanding public engagement in the responsible development of nanotechnology.
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