What is RiskGONE

RiskGONE (Science-based Risk Governance of Nano-Technology) is an EU H2020 project aiming at providing solid procedures for consistent risk governance of engineered nanomaterials.
The project began on 1st January 2019 and will end on 28 February 2023. In that time the project partners will develop new tools or modify existing ones to identify with better certainty the environmental and human health impacts of a number of nanomaterials. These tools and the results of tests using them will then be integrated into the work of a European Risk Governance Council (ERGC), a group of individuals with different areas of expertise on nanomaterials tasked to provide governance decisions on the safety of the specific materials. A risk governance framework, made up of the tools and the ERGC, will be developed to address nanomaterial safety governance in a coherent and scientifically robust way. The project has a budget of € 5 Million.

Why RiskGONE?

Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are used in a wide range of products and can provide novel or improved functions, potentially improving the quality of products in terms of human welfare and environmental protection.

However, there is still limited knowledge about the hazards and risks connected to nanomaterials. This knowledge and its use in safety governance decisions, will help to better ensure that the potential risks to human and environmental health can be addressed.

The governance framework to be developed includes engagement with different stakeholders, to inform and interact with in order to develop better mutual understanding with the aim of achieving good governance of nanomaterials. Stakeholders include the general public, academia, regulators, civil society and companies. This calls for a flexible and robust public policy framework that can balance between uncertainty, benefits, hazards and risks. Such a framework needs to be based on scientific evidence, and stakeholder concerns and needs, to support a full understanding of risks as well as of the assessment and management of risks within a wider societal context.

Our Objectives

  • Establish a science-based nanomaterials safety governance body, in the form of a transparent, self-sustained European Risk Governance Council, with representatives from EU Member States and public authorities, scientific experts, civil society and industry
  • Provide transparent, understandable and applicable risk assessment and decision-making tools
  • Develop a modular risk governance decision-making framework addressing different aspects of governance including human health and environmental impacts, and social and economic impacts
  • Produce nano-specific draft guidance documents to support risk governance of nanomaterials
  • Allow for smooth communication between stakeholders and civil society for what concerns governance of nanomaterials