Extramural Research
Featured Story
Research Project Search
NCER Impacts New Report on Nanotech and Life Cycle Assessment
On March 20, the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars issued a new report concluding that life cycle assessment -- a cradle-to-grave look at a material, chemical, or product -- is an essential tool for ensuring that the commercialization of nanotechnology is safe, responsible, and sustainable. The report was organized by NCER's Barbara Karn, who planned and organized a two-day workshop in October 2006 with Maria Pilar Aguar, from the European Commission's Research Directorate-General. Barbara spent one year at the Center on a temporary assignment, working with experts from the U.S. and Europe on nanotechnology and the environment. "Nanotechnology and Life Cycle Assessment: A Systems Approach to Nanotechnology and the Environment," resulted from discussions among 27 international nanotechnology and life cycle assessment experts. The report was simultaneously released by the European Commission and the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies, an initiative of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, and The Pew Charitable Trusts.
To read the report, visit: http://www.nanotechproject.org/111/32007-life-cycle-assessment-essential-to-nanotech-commercial-development 