A new open access article co-authored by NIA's Director General tackles why so few scientifically sound test methods ever make it into regulation, and what researchers can do to change that.
The piece offers practical steps for scientists to navigate the OECD standardisation process, arguing that early stakeholder engagement and validation planning are the difference between research that influences regulation and research that doesn't.
NIA DG Sean Kelly Co-Authors Essential Guide to Making Research Regulatory Relevant
NIA Staff
2 min read
Summary
The Nanotechnology Industries Association (NIA) announces the publication of an important new open access article in Frontiers in Research Metrics and Analytics, co-authored by our Director General, Dr. Sean Kelly.
The article, "Setting off on the right path: make your research regulatory relevant," tackles a persistent challenge: scientifically robust methods rarely reach regulatory application due to complex standardization requirements for OECD Test Guidelines and harmonized standards.
Bridging the Science-Regulation Gap
The authors explain that even urgent regulatory needs don't automatically fast-track scientific methods into standards. Methods must undergo rigorous validation, documentation, and approval processes before integration into OECD Test Guidelines—a process often perceived as too resource-intensive by researchers. However, engaging with standardization offers significant benefits including increased research impact, expanded international networks, and enhanced funding opportunities.
