Sinfonia Project Concludes with a Resounding Success at the II ‘Total-Nanosafe’ International Conference in Braga

Braga recently hosted the closing event of the Sinfonia Project, where over 100 participants celebrated the successful culmination of a four-year journey dedicated to advancing nanosafety. The II ‘Total-Nanosafe’ International Conference served as the platform for this milestone, bringing together global experts to explore the intersection of nanotechnology, human health, and environmental impact.

Pioneering Discussions in Nanosafety

This year’s conference provided a comprehensive view of the latest nanosafety advancements, featuring discussions on nanotoxicology, organ-on-a-chip models, in vitro-in vivo bridging, in silico methods, and the environmental impact of nanomaterials. The event highlighted key trends shaping the future of nanosafety, underscoring a commitment to safe and sustainable nanotechnology development.

Conference Highlights

The conference opened with a welcome cocktail on November 6, followed by sessions on November 7 and 8. Professor Ulla Vogel from Denmark’s National Research Centre for the Working Environment delivered an impactful keynote on nanoparticle toxicology, focusing on occupational health risks related to nanoparticles, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and fertility impacts.

Presentations from INL and other leading institutions covered diverse research topics, such as the effects of silver nanoparticles on lung-barrier function, skin-on-chip safety models, and the impacts of black carbon on aging. These studies highlighted the scope of nanosafety research, from health risk assessments to environmental modeling.

Fostering Collaboration and Future Innovation

The event fostered collaboration among researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers, sparking discussions that aim to inspire future innovations in nanosafety. Attendees networked and explored potential partnerships, contributing insights that could shape regulatory frameworks and best practices in the field.

Reflections from the Project Leader

Ernesto Alfaro-Moreno, Head of Nanosafety at INL and Coordinator of the LEARN project, remarked, “The Total-Nanosafe II Conference was an incredible opportunity to bring together some of the brightest minds in nanosafety and related disciplines. Leading this initiative was a privilege, and I must say, the experience was even more engaging, enjoyable, and challenging than I had anticipated. A heartfelt thank you to all the participants, speakers, and members of the Sinfonia Project Advisory Board.”

Keynote Highlights and Closing Remarks

The conference concluded with a powerful keynote by Eva Valsami-Jones from the University of Birmingham, who addressed the “known unknowns” in nanomaterial safety and encouraged continued efforts to push the frontiers of safe nanotechnology applications.

As the Sinfonia Project officially concludes, the conference underscored its legacy, advancing nanosafety knowledge and establishing valuable connections that will drive progress in this critical field for years to come.