The independent, national contact point combines all scientific and regulatory expertise available in Switzerland on the safe handling of synthetic nanomaterials – from production and application to disposal – and conveys high-quality information to companies (established companies, SMEs and start-ups) in an efficient way. The aim is to accelerate the transfer from invention to innova-tion, so that Swiss companies remain competitive in the international environment. The contact point is based on a broad network of proven experts and ensures a qualified and independent transfer of knowledge. It anticipates topics for regular workshops, training and events for the ex-change of information and experience in the area of nano-innovation, nano-safety as well as changes to Swiss and international regulation requirements.
“contactpointnano.ch” promptly establishes and provides tailored contacts to experts who: i) can convey information on nanomaterials, their safe handling and regulatory provisions, ii) offer expert opinions, access to services, testing and analyses, iii) collaborate on research and development cooperation and carry out training and workshops on relevant and current topics
At the contact point, companies will find competent partners who are able to help directly or point them in the right direction for access to available knowledge resources and other relevant agen-cies.
Further details can be found on the web page www.contactpointnano.ch, the contact point team can also be reached by email to: contactpointnano@empa.ch.

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Ana Milosevic¹, Christine D'Anna-Huber², Sergio Bellucci³, Peter Wick¹
1. Empa, Swiss Laboratories for Material Science and Technology, Laboratory for Particles Biology Interactions, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, St.Gallen
2. cdh texte & kommunikation, Alter Markt 2, 3400 Burgdorf
3. Bellucci Innovation Consulting, In der Looren 58, Zurich

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Bio

Peter Wick heads since 2014 the research laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions at the Federal Laboratories on Materials Science and Technologies Empa in St. Gallen. He studied and received his PhD in cell- and molecular biology at the University in Fribourg (Switzerland). Thereafter (2002) he moved to Empa and began his research in nanosafety. His general research interest is to study the interactions of nanomaterials with human tissues including barrier tissue in vitro and ex vivo with the purpose to obtain detailed mechanistic understanding about their uptake, accumulation, transport and effect on different types of cells or entire tissue. He is a member of the advisory board of the Swiss Action Plan on Nanomaterials, Editorial Board Member of Nanotoxicology and associated editor of the newly launched Journal NanoImpact and coordinator of the National Contact Point Nano.ch.