Cranfield University

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Our core capabilities

Technology and society are constantly evolving, as are the associated risks.  Research within CERF is concerned with understanding and characterising the hazards posed by emerging and well established technologies an, quantifying risks they pose.  We have particular expertise in the environmental fate, effects and risks of chemicals and in toxicological risks, with a specific focus on novel chemicals and nanomaterials.  We are also interested in practical risk management methodologies which are commensurate with the risks posed and the requirements of end users.  Research staff have a wide range of expertise including human health, environmental toxicology, understanding environmental fate and transport of chemicals and human exposure assessment – especially environmental exposure.  We use an array of different approaches including  the development of bespoke conceptual and mathematical models, the application of off-the-shelf tools, qualitative assessments and eliciting expert opinion.  Most of our work is oriented around solving real life problems for government and industry.
Recent clients include: Defra, EPSRC, NERC, Unilever, ESRC, and Scottish Government..

Staff expertise

• Dr Mick Whelan: mathematical modelling of environmental systems; environmental risk assessment; nutrient cycling in soil and water.
• Dr Sophie Rocks: nanotoxicology; human and environmental risk assessment; weight of evidence

Defining projects

 Benchmarking the Responsible Nanocode: 2009 - date

S.A. Rocks, R.A. Dorey, S.J.T. Pollard, D. Grayson , S. Collinson

Benchmarking the Responsible NanoCode is an initiative to build government, industry and public confidence in the use of nanotechnologies. Building on recent work within the University, this activity seeks to ensure that the research and development as well as industrial application of nanotechnologies is done in a transparent and responsible manner throughout organisations. Client: industrial association

EMERGNANO: A review of completed and near completed environment, health and safety research on nanomaterials and nanotechnology CB409 report for Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: 2009

R.J. Aitken, S.M. Hankin, C.L. Tran, B. Ross. V. Stone, T.F. Fernandes, K. Donaldson, R. Duffin, Q. Chaudhry, T.A. Wilkins, S.A. Wilkins, L.S. Levy, S.A. Rocks, A. Maynard

Comprehensive summary of the state of the art research (both published and in progress) within the UK and worldwide where appropriate, to inform policy makers and regulators on the current understanding on nanomaterials.  This information was used to inform a risk assessment on those materials identified as commonly researched along with an assessment of the precautionary principle (Rocks, Levy)

“Risk assessment approaches for manufactured nanomaterials” CB403 report for Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: 2008

S.A. Rocks, R.A. Dorey, S.J. Pollard, P.T.C. Harrison, L.S. Levy, R.D. Handy,

Comprehensive review of literature and world wide chemical regulations (including toxicity testing guidelines) to determine the appropriateness of current frameworks for the application to nanomaterials