ABOUT THE SCHOOL
Nanomaterials can potentially play a key role in reducing our dependence on extracted raw materials. But how do we assess the potential risk posed by the long-term accumulation of nanoparticles to the environment and to human health? Over 6 demanding days, this exciting course introduces young scientists and engineers to the tools and strategies required to take up the safer-by-design challenge. These are simultaneously put into practice by the participants in interdisciplinary groups, tasked with designing the business model of a nano-enabled innovation project.
The Safer Nanomaterials spring school is an accelerated learning programme proposed by EIT Raw Materials, partner institutions and the European Scientific Institute (ESI).

JOIN US TO BUILD A SAFER AND SUBSTAINABLE NANOWORLD

This exciting bioHealth Computing school addresses the complex challenge of the substitution of critical raw materials through the use of nanotechnology.
The School promotes ‘safety-by-design’, which seeks to minimise environmental and human health risks. Participants are introduced to the life-cycle approach, engineering and computing solutions, design-thinking and business creation.
The School is in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of the UN, and the objectives of EIT Raw Materials, which is the largest community in the raw materials sector worldwide. Its aims are to boost competitiveness, growth and attractiveness of the European raw materials sector via radical innovation, new educational approaches and guided entrepreneurship.
SaferNanoDesign offers graduate students from materials and life-science a unique and transformational opportunity to broaden skills-sets in a range of fields including advanced research strategies, innovation & substainable business planning, ethics and regulatory affairs.
At the end of the school, you will be :
o accustomed to working in a pluridisciplinary and international environment
o able to implement a “safer-by-design” approach to nanomaterial life-cycle assessment
o comfortable with an ever-evolving digital environment
COURSE DELIVERY & LEARNING OUTCOMES
School Coordinator: Philippe Sabatier (Université Grenoble Alpes)
The School offers a challenging mix of theoretical and practical teaching in technology and innovation, enabling participants to develop business models of nano-enabled products which are acceptable to the market.
- Core presentations on nanodesign, life cycle
- Industrial and entrepreneurial case studies
- Workshop, lab and computer practicals
- Multidisciplinary group-work on innovation projects
- Project pitches to a panel of experts from industry, academia, start-ups and business incubators


YOUR PROFILE
You are a Master, PhD student, or early career professional in medical or life science, biotechnology, engineering, materials, data science, business, human and social science.
The success of the school depends on the quality of the participants. Over and above your specialist skills, you will bring the following qualities:
- OPEN AND CRITICAL THINKING: A closed mind is the antithesis of innovation
- CAPACITY FOR CALCULATED RISK: seizing new opportunities is inseparable from taking risks
- FOCUS ON COMMUNITY: individual ideas become breakthrough innovations thanks to a great team
SELECTION
Pre-ranking of applicants is based on academic background in order to ensure a cross-disciplinary student body.
Final selection is based on the applicants CV, stated motivation and relevance of the proposed innovation project. Criteria will focus on the capacity for calculated risk, focus on community, open and critical thinking, initiative with follow-through.

ECTS ACCREDITATION
4 ECTS are awarded by Université Grenoble Alpes to Master and PhD students who complete the whole programme and take part in the oral defense (pitch of innovation project).
If required, UGA will transfer the ECTS directly to the participant’s home university.