Challenges of implementing nano-specific safety and safe-by-design principles in academia

Abstract Safe-by-design is an essential component for creating awareness of the potential novel risks associated with the introduction of sophisticated nanomaterials (NMs) with novel properties. Unidentified risks are a growing concern with the rapid and exponential advances of nanotechnology innovation, and the increase in fundamental research on NMs and their potential applications. Therefore, addressing nano-specific safety issues early in the innovation process is vital for reducing the uncertainties of novel NMs. Here we present the results of a workshop for material scientists (PhD students) with limited toxicology knowledge at the Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science (Utrecht University, The Netherlands) with the main goals to create awareness with regard to basic NM safety and to explore the possibilities for applying safe-by-design principles in academia. The approach presented here can be applied by researchers and innovators to assess the safety of NMs at an early stage of the innovation process.