The demand for research in the area of safety health and environmental management of nanotechnologies is present since a decade and identified by several landmark reports and studies. It is not the intention of this compendium to report on these as they are widely available.
It is also not the intention to publish scientific papers and research results as this task is covered by scientific conferences and the peer reviewed press.
The intention of the compendium is to bring together researchers, create synergy in their work, and establish links and communication between them mainly during the actual research phase before publication of results. Towards this purpose we find useful to give emphasis to communication of projects strategic aims, extensive coverage of specific work objectives and of methods used in research, strengthening human capacities and laboratories infrastructure, supporting collaboration for common goals and joint elaboration of future plans, without compromising scientific publication potential or IP Rights.
These targets are far from being achieved with the publication in its present shape. We shall continue working, though, and hope with the assistance of the research community to make significant progress.
We would like to stress that this sector is under development and progressing very fast, which might make some of the statements outdated or even obsolete. Nevertheless it is intended to provide a basis for the necessary future developments. [Ed.]