NanoInformatics Approaches for Safe-by-Design NanoMaterials

The RISE scheme promotes international and cross-sector collaboration through exchanging research and innovation staff, and sharing knowledge and ideas from research to market (and vice-versa). The scheme fosters a shared culture of research and innovation that welcomes and rewards creativity and entrepreneurship and helps to turn creative ideas into innovative products, services or processes. The COMPSAFENANO project addressing the RISE objectives and focuses on 'Safe-by-Design' approaches using nano-informatics and laboratory experimental research on safety assessment of nanomaterials. Many of them have not yet had their potential adverse biological effects fully assessed because of lack of long-term data and experimental assessment being expensive and time-consuming, frequently involving animal models. To obtain successful nanomaterials risk assessment, advanced in-silico methodologies are increasingly needed. Same time successful modelling of nanomaterials properties, behaviour and biological/toxicological effects is a challenge. Conventional predictive techniques provide reliable results for “simple” chemical molecules, however, most nanomaterials possess unique properties. The major innovative goal of CompSafeNano is to address this problem by using new approaches to identify ‘nano-specific’ descriptors for use in predictive modelling. All participating personnel will acquire access to mobility and knowledge-transfer activities that will allow the partners to enrich their expertise and advance their research capacity. They will acquire access to, and receive hands-on training on utilisation of, state-of-the-art nanoinformatics approaches based on machine learning and artificial intelligence. They will have the chance to get trained in data management, nano-ecotoxicology, human exposure from leading research groups in Europe in the area of nanosafety. This envisioned transfer of knowledge will take place through training schools and staff exchange activities.