Sound Management is as Important as Good Science
FAIRFAX,
VA, December 4, 2006 –
ICF
International (Nasdaq: ICFI) released its
analysis of the U.S. Federal Government’s
efforts to research the human
health and environmental consequences
of nanotechnology. The report, titled Characterizing
the Environmental, Health, and Safety Implications
of Nanotechnology: Where Should the Federal
Government Go From Here? describes
an urgent need to chart a more aggressive
course when it comes to answering such questions.
Nanotechnology promises profound innovations
in fields like medicine, energy, information
technology, transportation,
and environmental protection, allowing the
creation of materials with unique and novel
properties. However, questions arise about
its implications on the environment and
for the health
and safety of workers and
consumers. |
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FEEDBACK & MORE INFORMATION |
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"Valuable research has already been done, but there is much more to do and, given the rate at which nanotechnology is evolving, limited time is available," said Sergio Ostria, a senior vice president and expert on environmental, transportation, and regulatory issues at ICF. "We initiated this study to contribute to the national discussion of how the United States can realize the potential of nanotechnology while addressing environmental, health, and safety implications."
In the report, ICF takes an integrated view of
the challenge and provides 14 specific policy
recommendations built around three components.
The first entails identifying the "right" research
that can inform priority risk
management decisions. The second addresses
research management and offers recommendations
for the completion of timely and policy-relevant
research. The third component focuses on how
research results can be used to support sound
risk management decisions. Principles of continuous
improvement are then overlaid on the framework
to allow ongoing feedback to enhance the national
research effort.
"At first, the challenge appears to be only
a scientific one, focused on traditional risk assessment
topics like hazard, exposure, dose-response, and
environmental impacts," says Peter Linquiti,
study co-author and ICF consultant. "But
it’s also
a management issue. Without a sound strategic research
plan and the right underlying business processes,
it will be difficult to ensure that federal research
reliably yields answers to questions being asked
by a wide variety of stakeholders."
Table
of Contents |
Summary |
1. Framing the Issue |
2. The Challenge Is Not Just About Science,
It’s Also About Management |
3. Identifying the “Right” Research:
Does It Inform Priority Risk Management Decisions? |
4. Managing Research Effectively: Is
Research Completed in a Timely, Policy-Relevant,
and Cost-Effective Manner? |
5. Applying Research Effectively: Is
the Research Disseminated Broadly and Used
to Enhance the Quality of Risk Management
Decisions? |
6. Ensuring Continuous Improvement: Is
Ongoing Feedback About the Quality and Utility
of the Research Used to Enhance the Nanotechnology
EHS Research Function? |
7. Bringing It All Together: An Integrated
Perspective |
8. Areas for Additional Investigation |
Download ICF's report at http://www.icfi.com/nano.
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ICF International (Nasdaq: ICFI) partners with government and commercial clients to deliver consulting services and technology solutions in the energy, environment, transportation, social programs, defense, and homeland security markets. The firm combines passion for its work with industry expertise and innovative analytics to produce compelling results throughout the entire program life cycle, from analysis and design through implementation and improvement. Since 1969, ICF has been serving government at all levels, major corporations, and multilateral institutions. More than 1,800 employees serve these clients worldwide. ICF’s Web site is http://www.icfi.com.
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For Immediate Release
Contact: Douglas Beck
1.703.934.3820
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