The Second Harmonisation & Standardisation of Test Methods for Nanomaterials and Advanced Materials Workshop, held virtually on November 18-19, 2024, brought together experts from academia, industry, and regulatory bodies to discuss innovative approaches to nanosafety and material testing. With support from Horizon Europe projects, including nanoPASS and iCARE, the workshop provided a collaborative platform to address challenges in nanomaterials testing and develop solutions for regulatory alignment.

Workshop Focus

The workshop addressed critical themes, including:

• Advancing test method standardization for nanomaterials and advanced materials.
• Exploring alternatives to animal testing through New Approach Methodologies (NAMs).
• Tackling regulatory challenges with a focus on harmonized frameworks.

Key Contributions from nanoPASS and iCARE

nanoPASS: Pioneering Long-Term Hazard Assessments

Representing Infinite Biotech, nanoPASS partner Dr. Janez Štrancar delivered a standout presentation on Mode-of-Action (MoA) determination and long-term hazard assessment. His research focuses on using biomarkers to trace biological changes caused by nanomaterial exposure, offering predictive insights into long-term health risks.

Dr. Štrancar emphasized the potential of MoA determination to enhance nanosafety assessments while reducing reliance on animal testing, aligning with nanoPASS’s mission to standardize ethical and efficient testing methods.

iCARE: Bridging Nanosafety and Health Research

As a leader in nanosafety innovation, iCARE contributed extensively to discussions on integrating NAMs into regulatory frameworks. Highlights included research on C. elegans as a non-animal model for neurotoxicity testing, demonstrating how nanomaterials interact with neural systems. These studies, aligned with iCARE’s objectives, showcased cost-effective, reliable methods for evaluating nanomaterial impacts on health.

NIA, a partner in both nanoPASS and iCARE, facilitated knowledge-sharing sessions, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across projects to drive innovation and regulatory alignment.

Looking Ahead

The workshop underscored the importance of cross-project collaboration in advancing nanosafety. With contributions from both nanoPASS and iCARE, the event highlighted the progress made in testing methodologies and the development of harmonized standards. These efforts reflect a shared commitment to ensuring the safe and sustainable integration of advanced materials across industries.