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Working Groups
The Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology (NSET) Subcommittee has chartered subsidiary working groups to provide a structure to improve the effectiveness and productivity of the Subcommittee and its participating agencies in areas that will benefit from focused interagency attention and activity. These Working Groups currently include:
Nanotechnology Environmental & Health Implications Working Group (NEHI)
Nanotechnology has the potential to significantly transform society in many key areas including new materials, processes, and products. In order to fully realize the promise of nanotechnology, Federal agencies support research to understand the environmental, health, and safety (EHS) implications of nanotechnology and provide guidance on the safety of nanomaterials across the product life cycle. The NSET Subcommittee’s NEHI Working Group provides a forum for focused interagency collaborations on EHS and leadership in establishing the national nanotechnology EHS research agenda, in addition to communicating EHS information among NNI agencies and to the public. The combined efforts of the nanotechnology R&D community, public health advocacy groups, and the public are required to fully address EHS research priorities and strengthen the scientific foundation of risk assessment and risk management of nanotechnology. NEHI provides the nexus, as appropriate, for interactions between agencies and these diverse communities. The sum of these interactions and activities enhances the value of NNI efforts and provides a collaborative approach to examining public health and environmental concerns about nanomaterials. NEHI member agencies include those with direct responsibilities for public, workplace, and environmental safety, and agencies involved in science, education, and policy.
Nanotechnology Innovation and Commercialization Ecosystem Working Group (NICE)
A sustained commitment to nanotechnology-based innovation is key to realizing the NNI vision. This commitment is brought about by cooperation, dialogue, and partnerships among all the stakeholders in the nanotechnology innovation ecosystem. Thegoal of the NICE Working Group is to promote the advancement and acceleration of nanotechnology innovation within U.S-centric commercial industries. This includes stimulating nanotechnology innovation in and by Federal Government agencies, for their use and in transferring technology to the private sector.
Coordinators
The NNI designates coordinators in cross-cutting topical areas to track developments, lead in organizing activities, report periodically to the NSET Subcommittee, and serve as central points of contact for NNI information in the corresponding areas. These coordinators work with NNI agencies to identify priorities and emerging opportunities and to strengthen interagency coordination on these critical topics. These positions currently include:
- Coordinator for Standards Development: Ajit Jillavenkatesa (National Institute of Standards and Technology)
- Coordinator for Environmental, Health, and Safety Research: Treye Thomas (Consumer Product Safety Commission)
- Coordinator for Global Issues: Chris Cannizzaro (Department of State)
- Coordinator for Education, Engagement, and Societal Dimensions: John Bobalek (Department of Treasury)