Joint US – UK Research Program: Environmental Behavior, Bioavailability and Effects of Manufactured Nanomaterials

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), as part of its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program, in conjunction with the UK Environmental Nanoscience Initiative (UKENI) [a collaborative initiative funded by the UK Natural Environment Research Council (NERC); the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC); the UK Government Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA); and the Environment Agency of England and Wales)], is seeking joint applications from US and UK partners that: propose integrated model(s) of fate, behavior, bioavailability and effects for several important and representative nanomaterial classes over key environmental pathways using intrinsic material properties and life cycle analysis as a starting point for model development; validate and refine these model(s) through interdisciplinary research, addressing key assumptions and areas of uncertainty; and develop effective methods and tools to detect, assess, and monitor the presence of nanomaterials in biological and environmental samples. The outputs of this program will be used to further scientific understanding of the fate, behavior, bioavailability and effects of nanomaterials and risk management policy development.

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