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Implementation of a Multidisciplinary Approach to Solve Complex Nano EHS Problems by the UC Center for the Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology
Author(s) -
Xia Tian,
Malasarn Davin,
Lin Sijie,
Ji Zhaoxia,
Zhang Haiyuan,
Miller Robert J.,
Keller Arturo A.,
Nisbet Roger M.,
Harthorn Barbara H.,
Godwin Hilary A.,
Lenihan Hunter S.,
Liu Rong,
GardeaTorresdey Jorge,
Cohen Yoram,
Mädler Lutz,
Holden Patricia A.,
Zink Jeffrey I.,
Nel Andre E.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
small
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.785
H-Index - 236
eISSN - 1613-6829
pISSN - 1613-6810
DOI - 10.1002/smll.201201700
Subject(s) - multidisciplinary approach , outreach , identification (biology) , agency (philosophy) , nanotechnology , hazard , computer science , risk analysis (engineering) , systems engineering , engineering , engineering management , business , political science , chemistry , ecology , philosophy , materials science , organic chemistry , epistemology , law , biology
UC CEIN was established with funding from the US National Science Foundation and the US Environmental Protection Agency in 2008 with the mission to study the impact of nanotechnology on the environment, including the identification of hazard and exposure scenarios that take into consideration the unique physicochemical properties of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs). Since its inception, the Center has made great progress in assembling a multidisciplinary team to develop the scientific underpinnings, research, knowledge acquisition, education and outreach that is required for assessing the safe implementation of nanotechnology in the environment. In this essay, the development of the infrastructure, protocols, and decision‐making tools that are required to effectively integrate complementary scientific disciplines allowing knowledge gathering in a complex study area that goes beyond the traditional safety and risk assessment protocols of the 20th century is outlined. UC CEIN's streamlined approach, premised on predictive hazard and exposure assessment methods, high‐throughput discovery platforms and environmental decision‐making tools that consider a wide range of nano/bio interfaces in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, demonstrates the implementation of a 21st‐century approach to the safe implementation of nanotechnology in the environment.