Tag Archives: Toxic Substances Control Act Nanotechnology Coordinator

RTI and nanotechnology regulation

This is a classic public relations ploy: RTI is hosting a workshop of experts to discuss nanotechnology regulation at the National Press Club in Washington, DC on May 4, 2011. From the April 28, 2011 news item on Nanowerk,

Leading experts will gather at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., May 4 to discuss the challenges of regulating nanotechnologies.

The policy forum, titled Nanotechnology: the Huge Challenge of Regulating Tiny Technologies, will bring together thought leaders who represent public, private and academic communities to discuss the issues, concerns and public policies needed to maximize the benefits of this emerging technology while minimizing the risks and encouraging further development and scientific exploration.

The event, held from 9 to 10:30 a.m., is being hosted by RTI International. Speakers include Michele Ostraat, Ph.D. senior director of the Center for Aerosol and Nanomaterials Engineering at RTI; Sally Tinkle, Ph.D., deputy director, National Nanotechnology Coordination Office; Jim Alwood, Toxic Substances Control Act Nanotechnology Coordinator at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; and Cole Matson, Ph.D., executive director at the Center for the Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology at Duke University.

RTI (trade name for Research Triangle Institute) is not a speaker’s agency as you might have thought after reading this item. From RTI’s About page,

RTI International is one of the world’s leading research institutes, dedicated to improving the human condition by turning knowledge into practice. Our staff of more than 2,800 provides research and technical services to governments and businesses in more than 40 countries in the areas of health and pharmaceuticals, education and training, surveys and statistics, advanced technology, international development, economic and social policy, energy and the environment, and laboratory testing and chemical analysis.

This is really quite well done. It’s being held at an impressive venue, the National Press Club, which associates this event with journalism in a subtle way. Three of the speakers are impressive due to their reputations and association with the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office, the Environmental Protection Agency, and Duke University, respectively. Additionally, someone from RTI is moderating the event and one of their senior directors is a speaker so the event is wrapped within the RTI brand. On a personal note, my hat’s off to whoever organized this panel for managing to get gender parity. That can be tough to achieve when it’s a science-related topic.

If you’re curious about the event you can read more about it here at RTI’s website.