As early applications of nanotechnology moved from the research lab into commercial production and markets, potential regulatory issues, ranging from worker protection to environmental exposure and risks, needed to be identified. To address these issues, Meridian Institute and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars (WWICS) co-convened a series of three dialogue sessions focused on the relationship between nanotechnology and federal regulation in the United States. The purpose of the series was to encourage a proactive approach to regulatory issues on the part of government, as well as industry and other nongovernmental organizations. The first session was held in October 2003 and focused on the interactions between nanotechnology and the regulatory authorities of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration. The second session, in March 2004, centered on nanotechnology and intellectual property issues. And the third, held in May 2004, focused on nanotechnology and worker safety and health.

Meeting materials from the three dialogue sessions are available.

First Session of the Dialogue Series on Nanotechnology and Federal Regulation, October 2, 2003 - Topic: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Food and Drug Administration.
First Session

Second Session of the Dialogue Series on Nanotechnology and Federal Regulation, March 30, 2004 - Topic: Nanotechnology and Intellectual Property.
Second Session

Third Session of the Dialogue Series on Nanotechnology and Federal Regulation, May 18, 2004 - Topic: Nanotechnology and Worker Safety and Health.
Third Session