The American National Standards Institute's Nanotechnology Standards Panel (ANSI-NSP) has implemented significant updates to its ANSI-NSP Nanotechnology Standards Database, improving the functionality and utility of this essential tool. The ANSI-NSP Nanotechnology Standards Database is a free, comprehensive resource for individuals and groups seeking information about standards and other relevant documents related to nanomaterials and nanotechnology products and processes. It can also serves as a useful tool for developers seeking to identify gaps in the existing nanotechnology standards landscape, generating ideas regarding potential areas of new work.
| ANSI Nanotechnology Standards Panel |
The database was developed as part of a larger ongoing effort by the ANSI-NSP and its members and partners to bolster the visibility of existing and in-development nanomaterials and nanotechnology guidance documents, reference materials, and standards. It does not directly host standards and other similar documents, but is intended to provide information about such documents; however, standards developing organizations (SDOs) have the option of adding links to their relevant documents.
The new updates to the database include the creation of a single data entry form designed to allow standards developers and other organizations to more easily enter information. This change allows for a straightforward transition for those documents included in the database that change status from unpublished to published. In addition, the database has added a government-focused section, allowing representatives of governmental bodies to post policy and position documents that could be of interest to the greater nanotechnology community.
"The diverse nanotechnology community has been very productive in creating methods and procedures that are of general interest," said ANSI-NSP co-chair Shaun Clancy, Ph.D., the director of product regulatory services for the Evonik Corporation. "Unfortunately, these are often hard to find even though they are publicly available. The creation of the ANSI-NSP Nanotechnology Standards Database has made it easier to find these documents and facilitate continued improvements in productivity in the community."
To continue growing the database and optimize it for the needs of the user community, ANSI-NSP encourages SDOs, government bodies, and other relevant organizations to contribute information about their current and in-progress documents and standards. Organizations are required to register for free on the database site before submitting their information, to ensure relevancy and accuracy. The database includes information from a wide range of organizations from around the world that develop standards and other similar documents, and is accessible to a global audience of individuals and groups interested in learning more about nanotechnology standardization.
To access the database, click here. For more information, visit the ANSI-NSP webpage or contact Heather Benko ([email protected]), ANSI senior manager, nanotechnology standardization activities.