Nanoscale Science, Engineering and Technology (NSET) Subcommittee Working Groups
Four working groups currently exist under the Nanoscale Science, Engineering and Technology (NSET) Subcommittee. These subgroups are focused on areas that the subcommittee recognizes will benefit from focused interagency attention and activity.
Working Groups of the NSET Subcommittee
Global Issues in Nanotechnology Working Group (GIN)
The GIN Working Group coordinates the NNI's international activities in nanotechnology, monitors foreign nanotechnology programs, promotes the trade and commercial interests of the United States, and seeks to broaden international cooperation and communications with respect to nanotechnology R&D. The working group has representatives from all Federal agencies that have active nanotechnology R&D programs as well as from numerous agencies that have oversight roles in international affairs. In keeping with the NNI goal of establishing a framework for the safe, secure, and responsible development of nanotechnology worldwide, international cooperation is important to ensuring that environmental, health, and safety concerns are appropriately addressed by the global scientific community and relevant regulatory agencies.
Nanotechnology Environmental & Health Implications Working Group (NEHI)
The NSET Subcommittee and NEHI Working Group provide leadership in establishing the national nanotechnology environmental, health, and safety research agenda and in communicating data and information related to environmental and health aspects of nanotechnology between NNI agencies and with the public. NNI activities support the development of the new tools and methods required for the research that will enable risk analysis and assist in regulatory decision-making. NNI agencies engage and interact with regional, state, and local groups, educational institutions, industry-supported groups, and non-governmental organizations to enhance the impact and value of NNI efforts and to provide a collaborative approach.
Nanomanufacturing, Industry Liaison, & Innovation Working Group (NILI)
The NILI Working Group coordinates many of the activites in the area of promotion U.S. leadership in the creation of products and manufacturing processes at the nanoscale. NILI creates mechanisms to facilitate nanotechnology innovation and to improve technology transfer to industry. The working group promotes the exchange of information among Federal agencies, academia, and state, regional, and local organizations. Within the Federal Government, this effort includes interagency cooperation in the areas of standards, nomenclature, nanomanufacturing research, and use of programs that encourage innovation in small business. Industry liaison groups, that is, partnerships between the NNI and industry sectors, are a key tool in this undertaking.
Nanotechnology Public Engagement & Communications Working Group (NPEC)
The NNI recognizes that the perspectives of the public and stakeholder groups are vital in the nanotechnology R&D enterprise and considers public engagement to be one of its key objectives. The NPEC Working Group encourages, coordinates, and supports NNI member agencies and interagency efforts toward educating and engaging the public, policy makers, and stakeholder groups regarding nanotechnology, its applications and implications, and the work of the NNI. The NPEC assists in the development of information and guidance for communication activities and supports the development of best practices for outreach and public engagement regarding the responsible development of nanotechnology.