NanoCode

NanoCode is a multistakeholder dialogue providing inputs to implement the European Code of Conduct for Nanosciences & Nanotechnologies Research. NanoCode is funded under the programme Capacities, in the area Science in Society, of EU's 7th Framework Programme. NanoCode will last for 23 months starting in January 2010. The project objective is the definition and development of a framework enabling the successful integration and implementation at European level and beyond, of the Code of Conduct (CoC) for responsible N&N research defined by the European Commission.

The European Commission's Code of Conduct collects most of the concepts and values that emerged during the past years from the debate about governance and ethics of nanotechnologies and is an important reference for the principles that should underpin research activities, the interaction among stakeholders, and in general a “good governance” for the responsible development of nanotechnologies.

The activity of the project will be geared around a number of key actions:

• Identifying and consulting the interested stakeholders (scientific, institutional, industrial and civil society organisations) to explore through questionnaires and selected structured interviews, knowledge, attitudes, reactions and proposals in
  relation to the EU Code of Conduct.

• Assessing, on the basis of the available information, the most relevant codes of conducts, voluntary measures and practices for a responsible technology development, regarding in first place N&N R&D, already defined or under study.

• Proposing criteria and indicators of “good practices” to implement the EU CoC as well as possible future changes.

• Basing on identified criteria and indicators, defining and testing a practical tool (CodeMeter) for the assessment of performances in relation with the application of the CoC.

• Selecting a set of incentives and disincentives to stimulate the adoption of the CoC.

• Identifying future regulatory, policy and research needs in order to integrate foresight oriented aspects in further developments of the CoC.

• Designing of a CoC MasterPlan enabling the implementation and integration of the CoC, including future changes, best practices, incentives/disincentives and performance criteria for the adoption of the CoC.

• Communicate and disseminate information on project outcomes and on the CoC at national and international level, through national workshops and conferences in each partners’ country, an international conference, the project website and a series of brief publications.

A practical assessment tool to determine the performance in complying with the CoC principles and indications (CodeMeter) will be a pivotal element of the framework.

Various national and international events, a dedicated website and a series of brief publications will be a pivotal tool to communicate project findings and provide a unique source of information on the CoC and its application in Europe and beyond.

The engagement of a wide range of stakeholders in the dialogue will help to increase the awareness on the CoC and in shaping its content to the stakeholders’ needs and expectations, making it a more accepted, concrete and practical instrument for decision-making in N&N R&D.

The project brings together 10 partners from 10 countries, which include those that at the European level are investing most in nanotechnologies, as well as ICPC Countries such as South Africa and Argentina. The Consortium partners have a long experience in N&N assessment, consultation processes, analysis of technological and societal issues, communication, with liaisons already established with many relevant stakeholders worldwide.

Current information is available on the project website www.nanocode.eu.

For any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.