Europe is in the vanguard of the emerging field of nanosciences and
nanotechnologies (N&N), a developing field of science with the
potential for major positive impact economically, socially and
environmentally. Nevertheless, knowledge gaps remain about the impact
of these technologies on human health and the environment, as well as
issues relating to ethics and the respect of fundamental rights. This
is why the Commission is today recommending to the Member States to
adopt a Code of Conduct to govern research in this field. Based around
7 general principles covering issues such as sustainability,
precaution, inclusiveness and accountability, the Code of Conduct
invites Member States to take concrete action, involving universities,
research institutes and companies, for the safe development and use of
nanotechnologies.
"Nanotechnologies and nanosciences could
very well be the next revolution in enabling technologies, and Europe
has a good track record in their development" said European Science and
Research Commissioner Janez Poto?nik. "Part of our strength is in the
attention we are giving to their responsible development and use. The
Code of Conduct is a tool developed by the Commission, after consulting
with the public, that will make it very simple to address the
legitimate concerns that can arise regarding nanotechnologies."
The
European Commission launched a consultation on the Code of Conduct in
July 2007 (see IP/07/1140). On the basis of the replies received,
today's text was drawn up. It is very much in line with the objective
of promoting integrated safe and responsible nanosciences and
nanotechnologies that lies at the heart of the 2005 Nanotechnologies
Action Plan (see IP/07/1321 if any).
The 7 principles are:
- 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.
The Code of conduct also provides guidelines that implement these 7 principles under:
- good governance of research
- due respect of precaution
- dissemination and monitoring of the Code of Conduct.
