NanoBCA Congratulates 2024 Kavli Prize Winners in Nanoscience

Posted on June 13th, 2024 | No Comments »

The NanoBusiness Commercialization Association (NanoBCA) would like to congratulate the recipients of the 2024 Kavli Prize in Nanoscience: Robert S. Langer, Armand Paul Alivisatos, and Chad A. Mirkin. I have had the honor of meeting all three of these distinguished scientists from our Nanotechnology Community.

 

 

 

 

 

The 2024 Kavli Prize Laureates in the fields of astrophysics, nanoscience and neuroscience were announced this week by the Kavli Foundation. The Kavli Prize in Nanoscience was awarded to Langer, Alivisatos, and Mirkin “for pioneering work integrating synthetic nanoscale materials with biological function for biomedical applications.” You can watch a 20-minute video of the Kavli Prize announcement here.

The 2024 Kavli Prize in Nanoscience honors Robert S. Langer, Armand Paul Alivisatos and Chad A. Mirkin who each revolutionized the field of nanomedicine by demonstrating how engineering nanoscale materials can advance biomedical research and application. Their discoveries contributed foundationally to the development of therapeutics, vaccines, bioimaging and diagnostics.

“The three scientists, Langer, Alivisatos and Mirkin, have broadened the scientific field of nanoscience, building from fundamental research. By scientific curiosity they have become inventors for the future of nanoscience and biomedicine,” stated Bodil Holst, Chair of the Nanoscience Committee.

Robert S. Langer was the first to develop nano-engineered materials that enabled the controlled release, or regular flow, of drug molecules. This capability has had an immense impact for the treatment of a range of diseases, such as aggressive brain cancer, prostate cancer and schizophrenia. His work also showed that tiny particles, containing protein antigens, can be used in vaccination, and was instrumental in the development of the delivery of mRNA vaccines.

Armand Paul Alivisatos demonstrated that semiconductor nanocrystals, or quantum dots (nanoparticles that possess bright, size-dependent light-emitting properties), can be used as multicolor probes in bioimaging. Essential to this achievement was the synthesis of biocompatible nanocrystals. Semiconductor nanocrystals became the basis for the widely used research and diagnostic tools such as live cell tracking, labelling and in vivo imaging.

Chad A. Mirkin engineered spherical nucleic acids (SNA) using a gold nanoparticle as the core, and a cloud of radially distributed DNA or RNA strands as the shell. He was then able to show how SNAs can be combined to create larger structures and how they can be used in biodiagnostics. His discovery led to the development of fast, automated point-of-care medical diagnostic systems.

Once again, we would like to congratulate Robert S. Langer, Armand Paul Alivisatos, and Chad A. Mirkin for their enormous contributions to our Nanotechnology Community.

NanoBCA Recommends: TSCA Reform – 8 Years Later, Weds 6/26 In-Person DC/Virtual Event

Posted on June 12th, 2024 | No Comments »

The NanoBusiness Commercialization Association (NanoBCA) highly recommends the following event:

 

 

 

 

TSCA Reform – Eight Years Later
Wednesday, June 26, 2024
8:00am-4:30pm
Hybrid (in-person in DC & via livestream)

Lynn L. Bergeson Managing Director of Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. and NanoBCA EHS Chair will be speaking at 3:PM ET on the panel Shaping the Agenda: Section 21 Citizens’ Petitions and Other Mechanisms Influencing Priority Setting

All times noted are EASTERN Time. The event will begin at 8:00 AM Eastern, 7 AM Central, 6 AM Mountain, and 5 AM Pacific.

This event is free and open to the public but you must register.

  • In-person attendance will be located at The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health (map)
    • If you wish to attend the full conference, you will need to register for BOTH the morning sessions AND the afternoon sessions.
    • REGISTER to attend the MORNING SESSIONS in DC
    • REGISTER to attend the AFTERNOON SESSIONS in DC
    • Seating is limited. Registration will close on June 21 OR when capacity is reached.
    • Anyone who attends in person is welcome to enjoy a complimentary grab-and-go lunch (12:15 PM – 1:30 PM). However, we will not be able to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Virtual attendance will be via YouTube livestream.

Free Introductory TSCA Course

Continuing Legal Education (CLE)

  • CLE credit will be offered in Vermont and Pennsylvania for in-person participants only. ELI is not able to offer CLE credit for virtual participants.
  • 5.5 hours of general CLE credit total (morning sessions: 3.0 hours; afternoon sessions: 2.5 hours).

Questions?

  • For issues registering, or to cancel/change your registration, contact events@eli.org.
  • For substantive questions, contact Madison Calhoun (calhoun@eli.org).

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An ELI, Bergeson & Campbell, P.C., and the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health Co-Sponsored Annual Conference

This conference marks the eighth Toxic Substances Control Act Annual Conference, expanding upon TSCA Reform – Seven Years LaterTSCA Reform – Six Years LaterTSCA Reform – Five Years LaterTSCA Reform – Four Years LaterTSCA: Three Years LaterTSCA Reform at 2 Years and TSCA Reform: One Year Later. Leading panelists will reflect on the challenges and accomplishments since the implementation of the 2016 Lautenberg Amendments and where the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) stands today.

Panelists will dive into key hot topics, including chemical prioritization and risk evaluation, risk management, new chemical review, Section 21 petitions and other TSCA provisions available to third parties, and much more. Join ELI, Bergeson & Campbell, P.C., the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, leading experts, and distinguished speakers for a robust exploration of the issues and regulations surrounding TSCA.

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AGENDA

8:00 AM – 8:05 AM  Welcome
Madison Calhoun, Senior Manager, Educational Programs, Environmental Law Institute

8:05 AM – 9:00 AM  Hot Topics Panel

TSCA Administrative and Judicial Litigation: Much Going On!

TSCA is the subject of significant administrative and judicial litigation. Inhance Technologies raises serious implications for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s regulation of significant new uses under TSCA Section 5. TSCA Section 4 orders are being litigated, the final Section 6 risk management rule for asbestos is being challenged, as are other aspects of EPA’s implementation of Lautenberg. This panel will feature a spirited discussion of these disputes and the implications of their resolution.

Mark N. Duvall, Principal, Beveridge & Diamond, P.C. Moderator
Eric P. Gotting, Partner, Keller and Heckman, LLP
Adam M. Kushner, Partner, Hogan Lovells US LLP
Tosh Sagar, Senior Attorney, Earthjustice
Robert M. Sussman, Principal, Sussman & Associates

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM  Keynote Address
Michal Ilana Freedhoff, Ph.D., Assistant Administrator, Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

9:30 AM – 10:45 AM  Panel 1: Risk Management

EPA’s issuance of its first-ever risk management rule is a significant achievement and offers important insights into how EPA defines the “extent necessary” to control unreasonable risks, under what circumstances EPA will not seek to ban a chemical use, what issues are likely to be litigated, and much more. This panel will discuss the risk management rule and its implications.

Karyn M. Schmidt, Senior Director, Regulatory & Scientific Affairs, American Chemistry Council, Moderator
MaryAnn Hoff, Global Director Advocacy, EHS & Product Stewardship, PPG
Jonathan Kalmuss-Katz, Supervising Senior Attorney, Earthjustice
Eileen Murphy, Ph.D., Director, Existing Chemicals Risk Management Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

10:45 AM – 11:00 AM  Break

11:00 AM – 12:15 PM  Panel 2: Risk Evaluation and the Supporting Role Sections 4 and 8 Play

EPA has been busy refining its chemical prioritization and risk evaluation processes to ensure its decisions are informed by available data and new data are generated under Section 4. This panel will consider these revised processes; the role and extent of peer review; the utility and timing of Section 4 test rules; the disposition of chemicals remaining on the 2014 Work Plan Chemicals list; and much more.

Maria J. Doa, Ph.D., Senior Director, Chemicals Policy, Environmental Defense Fund, Moderator
David B. Fischer, Counsel, Keller and Heckman LLP
Jeffery T. Morris, Ph.D., Director, Existing Chemicals Risk Assessment Division, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Katherine O’Brien, Senior Attorney, Toxic Exposure and Health Program, Earthjustice
Judah Prero, Counsel, Arnold & Porter
Tracey Woodruff, Ph.D., Professor and Director, University of California, San Francisco Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment

12:15 PM – 1:30 PM  Luncheon Break

Anyone who attends in person is welcome to enjoy a complimentary grab-and-go lunch. However, we will not be able to accommodate dietary restrictions.

1:30 PM – 2:45 PM  Panel 3: New Chemical Review

EPA continues to revise its new chemical review process. This panel will discuss the latest updates, whether challenges are being addressed and how, whether review times are being diminished, and much more.

Samantha Liskow, Lead Counsel, Health Program, Environmental Defense Fund, Moderator
Shari Barash, Director, New Chemicals Division, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Kyla Bennett, Ph.D., Director, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility
Kerry Coy, Product Regulation Specialist, BASF Corporation (virtual)
Richard E. Engler, Ph.D., Director of Chemistry, Bergeson & Campbell, P.C.
Daniel Rosenberg, Senior Attorney, Environmental Health, Natural Resources Defense Council

2:45 PM – 3:00 PM  Break

3:00 PM – 4:15 PM  Panel 4: Shaping the Agenda: Section 21 Citizens’ Petitions and Other Mechanisms Influencing Priority Setting

Citizens’ petitions under TSCA Section 21 are increasingly playing a prominent role in influencing EPA’s policy and regulatory priorities. Other mechanisms are also being used to revisit EPA’s priorities. This panel will discuss the utility of these mechanisms, how they are impacting EPA’s regulatory agenda, and other opportunities for citizen engagement.

Lynn L. Bergeson, Managing Partner, Bergeson & Campbell, P.C., Moderator
Ryan J. Carra, Ph.D., Principal, Beveridge & Diamond, P.C.
Michael Connett, Partner, Siri & Glimstad
Thomas Groeneveld, Senior Advisor, Existing Chemicals Risk Management Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Robert M. Sussman, Principal, Sussman & Associates

4:15 PM – 4:30 PM  Concluding Remarks and Adjournment
Jordan Diamond, President, Environmental Law Institute

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We would like to thank Lynn L. Bergeson for her continued dedication and contributions to the nanotechnology community.

Please join us on June 26th for this important event.

NanoBCA/WIAF Webinar – Weds 5/29 2PM ET

Posted on June 12th, 2024 | No Comments »

NanoBCA Webinar
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
2:00-3:00PM

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AGENDA

 

 

 

 

 

 

2:00-2:10  Opening Remarks
Vincent Caprio
Executive Director, NanoBusiness Commercialization Association (NanoBCA)
vincentcaprio@nynanobusiness.org

Nano drug accelerates diabetic wound healing in mice
SCIENMAG

Air Force unveils photos of newest stealth bomber
New York Post

Influencers Are Saying Sunscreen Causes Cancer. They Are Wrong.
The Wall Street Journal

How 3M discovered — and hid — the dangers of forever chemicals
The New Yorker

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2:10-2:30  EHS Update
Lynn L. Bergeson
Managing Director, Bergeson & Campbell, P.C.
NanoBCA EHS Chair
lbergeson@lawbc.com

TSCA Reform – Eight Years Later
June 26, 2024
8:00am-4:30pm ET
Lynn will be speaking at 3:00pm

Maine Amends Its PFAS Statute, Exempting Certain Product Categories from the Sales Prohibition and Eliminating the General Notification Requirement

Nano and Other Emerging Chemical Technologies Blog

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2:30-2:50 Cybersecurity workshop stresses the importance of online safety
Ken Russell, PhD
Chief Information and Innovation Officer, Author
drkenrussell@gmail.com

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2:50-3:00 Q&A

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3:00  Conclusion

WIAF Congratulates GrayMatter on their Partnership with Tailwind Capital

Posted on June 12th, 2024 | No Comments »

Our good friend, Alan Hinchman, and Chief Revenue Officer of GrayMatter Systems, has shared with us some very good news!

GrayMatter Partners with Tailwind Capital to Transform Industrial Intelligence
May 2, 2024

 

 

 

 

Pittsburgh, PA – GrayMatter, a top Industrial Intelligence technology solution provider, is accelerating its expansion with a significant investment from Tailwind Capital, a private equity firm focused on investments in growth-oriented, middle-market services companies.

This partnership comes at a pivotal time for GrayMatter. The company recently celebrated another year in which it met its organic growth objectives and completed two successful acquisitions. Over the past seven years, GrayMatter has successfully completed five strategic acquisitions, invested in a new operations team in India and assembled a respected team of technical engineers.

“Our industry is at an inflection point, and with Tailwind’s investment, we have the opportunity to create a new brand of Industrial Intelligence. Our industrial automation, MES, analytics and cyber for OT offerings are in high demand. This investment will allow us to invest deeper in our platform and people to ensure we have the full suite of solutions and offerings for our long-standing and loyal customers,” said James Gillespie, CEO and co-founder of GrayMatter. “We look forward to further empowering operators by providing them with leading automation and Industrial Intelligence solutions.”

Tailwind Capital has a long history of partnering with management teams to drive transformative growth by utilizing its Accelerate Change playbook, which is predicated on investments in talent, technology and transformative M&A. The firm has proven expertise investing in highly technical engineering services businesses and has worked closely with Paul Galeski to develop a thesis in the industrial automation and intelligence market. Galeski founded MAVERICK Technologies, which he successfully sold to Rockwell Automation before becoming the Vice President & GM, Global Solutions and Services. He will serve as the Executive Chairman of GrayMatter.

“We are thrilled to partner with Jim, Paul and the entire extended GrayMatter team. The company has a well-earned reputation as a leading provider of automation and Industrial Intelligence services. We look forward to further supporting their strategic objectives and helping them accelerate their growth, both organically and via acquisitions,” said Andrew Mayer, a Partner at Tailwind Capital.

“We are excited to have Tailwind join us as we push the boundaries of what’s possible in Industrial Intelligence,” Gillespie said. “The firm has a long track record of working closely with services businesses to accelerate growth. Additionally, Paul brings a wealth of experience in industrial automation, and we look forward to partnering on strategic initiatives that will allow us to better serve our customers and drive value for all stakeholders.”

“Jim and the GrayMatter team have built a wonderful business,” said Galeski. “They solve complex problems and deliver high-ROI solutions for their customers. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Jim and Tailwind to further scale GrayMatter into the market-leading provider of industrial automation and intelligence solutions.”

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Congratulations to Alan Hinchman and the GrayMatter team on the successful partnership!

NanoBCA/WIAF Webinar – Weds 4/24 2PM ET

Posted on June 12th, 2024 | No Comments »

Celebrating Earth Day every day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

NanoBCA Webinar
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
2:00-3:00PM

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AGENDA

 

 

 

 

 

 

2:00-2:05  Opening Remarks
Vincent Caprio
Executive Director, NanoBusiness Commercialization Association (NanoBCA)
vincentcaprio@nynanobusiness.org

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2:05-2:20  EHS Update
Lynn L. Bergeson
Managing Director, Bergeson & Campbell, P.C.
NanoBCA EHS Chair
lbergeson@lawbc.com

Save the Date for “TSCA Reform – 8 Years Later” on June 26, 2024

EPA Describes Future of Its Nanotechnology Research

California DPR Announces Detailed Information on Proposed Registration Fee Increase and Information on Webinar Scheduled for April 23, 2024

GAO Examines DOD Efforts to Address PFAS Contamination at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam

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2:20-2:50 How Basing your Strategies on Conventional Business Wisdom can be the Exact Opposite of What is Needed to Become a Successful Disruptive Technologies Company
Mark Shaw
CEO, Ultratech International, Inc.
mark.shaw@spillcontainment.com

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2:50-3:00 Q&A

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3:00  Conclusion

NanoBCA/WIAF: Special PFAS Compliance Webinar 3/27 2PM ET

Posted on June 12th, 2024 | No Comments »

We will be having a special NanoBusiness Commercialization Association (NanoBCA)/Water Innovations Alliance Foundation (WIAF) webinar. Lynn L. Bergeson, Managing Director of Bergeson & Campbell PC will be presenting on the topic TSCA PFAS Reporting Rule: What Companies Need to Know. This is a comprehensive review for the manufacturing, chemical and water industries.

NanoBCA/WIAF Webinar
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
2:00-3:00PM

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AGENDA

 

 

 

 

 

 

2:00 Opening Remarks
Vincent Caprio
Executive Director, NanoBusiness Commercialization Association (NanoBCA)
vincentcaprio@nynanobusiness.org

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2:00-2:10 PFAS . . . A Chemist’s Perspective
Sam Brauer, PhD
Founder & Principal, Nanotech Plus
2021 NanoBCA Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
sbrauer@nano-biz.com

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2:10-2:50 TSCA PFAS Reporting Rule: What Companies Need to Know
Lynn L. Bergeson
Managing Director, Bergeson & Campbell, P.C.
NanoBCA EHS Chair
lbergeson@lawbc.com

PFAS: Bans, Restrictions, Reporting and Minimizing Liability

What to know now, and what to expect

Save the Date for “TSCA Reform – 8 Years Later” on June 26, 2024

NNI Will Hold Webinar on Metrology of Nanoparticles in Electronics on April 5, 2024

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2:50-3:00 Q&A

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3:00  Conclusion

WIAF Recommends: WaterPitch! DC Tues 3/19

Posted on June 12th, 2024 | No Comments »

The Water Innovations Alliance Foundation would like to recommend the following in-person event.

WaterPitch! DC: The Water Startup Matching Extravaganza
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
American University’s Constitution Hall, Washington DC

Presented by

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WaterPitch! DC: The Water Startup Matching Extravaganza (WaterPitch.Org) where we connect Water Startups with Investors, Funders, Clients, and Entrepreneur Support Programs.

We are building a community of Water Startups of All Stages, All Markets, All Solutions, and All Founders (particularly including Underrepresented Founders). We would love to welcome you and your colleagues at our event on March 19th at American University.

Please use the Referral30 code for a 30% off discount when you Register to Attend or to Pitch. To provide greater opportunities for Water Startups from universities to join our event, we are now offering a discount of 67% off for university students, faculty, and staff, which can be used either to Pitch (WaterCitizen.Org/WaterPitch-DC-Startups) or to Attend (WaterCitizen.Org/WaterPitch-DC-Attend). Simply click the appropriate Registration Button and then, when you get to the Secure Payment Page, add the Coupon Code University67. Spaces are filling quickly – please share!

SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROGRAM

8:00am-8:15am
Registration & Light Breakfast

8:15am-9:00am
Opening Session, Welcome, Keynotes & How To Get The Most Out Of Today’s Program

9:00am-10:00am
Startup Pitch Session 1:
Municipal Water/Wastewater/Stormwater, Infrastructure,
Workforce/DEI, Environmental Justice, and Communications

10:00am-10:15am: Sponsored Break #1 (Become A Sponsor!)

10:15am-11:15am
Reverse Pitches – Voice Of The Customer:
Water Sector and Federal Funding & Contracting Opportunities

11:15-11:30am: Sponsored Break #2 (Visit the Expo!)

11:30am-12:30pm
Startup Pitch Session 2:
Industrial, Commercial, Agricultural, Residential
Water/Wastewater/Stormwater and Environmental Remediation

12:30pm-1:15pm Box Lunches – Time to Connect!

1:15pm-2:15pm
Reverse Pitches:  Show Me The Money!
VC/Angel Investors

2:15pm-2:30pm Sponsored Break #3 (Schedule A Follow-Up Meeting!)

2:30pm-3:30pm
Startup Pitch Session 3:
Climate, Sustainability, Ecosystem & Water Resource/Ocean Restoration,
Global Water/Sanitation/Health (WASH)

3:30pm-3:45pm Sponsored Break #4 (Create A Collaborative Partnership!)

3:45pm-4:45pm
Reverse Pitches: “Ecosystem of Support”
Clusters/Accelerators/Incubators

4:45pm-5:15pm
Closing Keynote: The Future of Water Entrepreneurship

Best Pitch Awards and Closing Comments
5:15pm-7:15pm Sponsored Reception with Expo

Once again, we highly recommend WaterPitch! DC: The Water Startup Matching Extravaganza.

NanoBCA Recommends: FIFRA Hot Topics Webinar, Tues 3/12 11AM-Noon ET

Posted on June 12th, 2024 | No Comments »

The NanoBusiness Commercialization Association (NanoBCA) would like to recommend the following webinar.

FIFRA Hot Topics
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
11:AM-Noon ET

Register now to join Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C®) for “FIFRA Hot Topic,” a complimentary webinar covering key priorities for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) and what companies should know to avoid market entry delays and other commercial disruptions.

During the Biden-Harris Administration’s term, EPA OPP has focused on long-standing challenges, including efforts to meet Endangered Species Act (ESA) consultation requirements and meeting core pesticide registration obligations. In this election year, EPA will seek to complete as many actions on its agenda as possible while also avoiding any significant or controversial pre-election missteps. EPA also has been working hard to meet the requirements in the law and each of the statutory deadlines imposed under the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act of 2022 (PRIA 5). In 2024, OPP’s core focus can be expected to be on making further progress on integrating ESA with registration activities and PRIA 5 implementation. 

Topics Covered:

  • OPP and Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) Issues and Priorities
  • EPA Progress to Integrate the Requirements of FIFRA and ESA
  • PRIA 5 Implementation
  • 2024 Farm Bill
  • Chemicals of Note: Chlorpyrifos, Dicamba, Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
  • Newly Issued “Free from” Claims
  • Climate Change and Environmental Justice
  • Enforcement Priorities
  • Developing Policies for Treated Articles and Pesticide Devices
  • Developments in EPA’s Antimicrobials Division

Speakers include:

 

 

 

 

James V. Aidala, Senior Government Affairs Consultant, B&C, is a critical ally for any client addressing chemical policy, legislative, and related issues. He has been intimately involved with FIFRA and Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) legislative reauthorization and key regulatory matters for over four decades. Mr. Aidala brings extensive legislative experience on Capitol Hill and past experience as the senior official at EPA for pesticide and chemical regulation, and provides clients with vital insights into not only relevant current policies of EPA and sister agencies, but also the way these policies have been or are likely to be formulated to help clients more successfully address regulatory matters.

Lisa R. Burchi, Of Counsel, B&C, has significant expertise in a wide array of FIFRA matters, including data compensation, compliance with requirements applicable to products regulated under FIFRA (e.g., pesticide devices, treated articles, minimum risk pesticides), and counsels on matters related to California law, including Proposition 65 and ingredient disclosure regulations. Ms. Burchi delivers more than 25 years of experience in these highly specialized fields.

Lynn L. Bergeson, Managing Partner, B&C, has earned an international reputation for her deep and expansive understanding of how regulatory programs pertain to nanotechnology, industrial biotechnology, synthetic biology, and other emerging transformative technologies. Ms. Bergeson counsels corporations, trade associations, and business consortia on a wide range of issues pertaining to chemical hazard, exposure and risk assessment, risk communication, minimizing legal liability, and evolving regulatory and policy matters. 

Register Now

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Once again, we highly recommend the FIFRA Hot Topics webinar on March 12th. In addition, Lynn L. Bergeson will be presenting on our monthly NanoBCA Webinar on March 20th. Please join us for this special hour long presentation.

Easton 9/11 Responder Honored with State Citation

Posted on March 4th, 2024 | No Comments »

On Sept. 11, 2001, Vincent Caprio was at the Marriott World Trade Center attending a conference when the terrorist attacks occurred. After watching the twin towers go down, he felt a personal call to devote his time to the recovery effort at ground zero.

An experienced emergency medical technician (EMT) trained in crisis response for large venues, Caprio used his skills and stayed at ground zero for 22 hours. Then he went back and volunteered for another 400 hours.

“It felt important to me to go back and help,” said Caprio.

On Feb. 28, Caprio was honored for his efforts on that day and for his work post-Sept. 11 with a state citation presented to him by State Rep. Anne Hughes at the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford.

“Vincent represents the excluded EMS and workforce that did not get covered in any of the post-benefits,” said Hughes. “He has worked diligently for years to clarify his service and reputation. It was very important to present this citation on behalf of the state government.”

The state’s General Assembly issues honorary citations in recognition of noteworthy cases that deserve special recognition.

“I am grateful to receive this,” said Caprio. “It gives me a platform to show what is going on in the lives of other Sept. 11 survivors and first responders.”

Caprio credits Voices Center for Resilience for giving him a platform to help those who were affected by Sept. 11. The New Canaan-based organization was co-founded by Mary Fetchet in 2001, following the death of her son Brad at the World Trade Center.

The organization provides long-term support and resources that promote mental health care and wellness for victims’ families, responders and survivors of the 9/11 attacks and for families of those who have died from illnesses related to the attacks. Since 2001, more than 6,300 responders and survivors have died of illnesses related to Sept. 11. More than 77,000 individuals are currently in treatment for serious medical and mental health conditions, according to the organization.

“With my personal experience losing my son, I realized that I needed to support those that were in need,” said Fetchet. “I started this organization because I realized how important it was to be a part of the conversation of how it affected families, responders, and survivors.”

Fetchet and Caprio met shortly after Sept.11 and ever since they have been putting their efforts into making sure the stories of the people affected are heard.

“Vince helped us plan our first anniversary, and it was an event that brought the families, responders, and survivors together for those who have been affected by the tragedy,” said Fetchet. “Vincent represents the people who stayed and helped, at that time no one knew what was happening so a lot of people left. Vincent took it upon himself to help those in need.”

NanoBCA Celebrates the 20th Anniversary of NNI

Posted on March 1st, 2024 | No Comments »

Time flies! It has been 20 years since the NanoBusiness Commercialization Association (NanoBCA) participated at the White House with President George W. Bush to sign the National Nanotechnology Initiative. On December 3, 2003 a group of scientists, engineers and American leaders gathered in the Oval Office to usher in a new era of American science and technology.

Join us and the nanotechnology community to celebrate with the Nanotechnology Anniversary Symposium on March 5, 2024! Our NanoBCA Member, Doyle Edwards, Director of Government Programs at Brewer Science will be participating in a Panel Discussion in regard to Responsible Development from 10:50-11:35am.

Enabling the Nanotechnology Revolution:
Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
8AM-7PM

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine
Fred Kavli Auditorium
2101 Constitution Ave NW
Washington DC 20418

CLICK HERE FOR IN-PERSON REGISTRATION

Scientists and engineers across many fields and disciplines are united by their work at the nanoscale. Their diverse efforts have helped produce everything from faster microchips to powerful mRNA vaccines. The transformative impact of this work has been spurred by the coordination and focus on U.S. nanotechnology established by the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act in 2003. Celebrating such a broad impact and envisioning the future can be quite challenging, but this event will bring together voices from across the emerging technology landscape. There will be experts who can speak on the importance of nanotechnology in quantum engineering, optics, EHS, plastics, DEIA, microelectronics, medicine, education, manufacturing, and more. We can’t predict what will emerge from this lively discussion between researchers, policymakers, members of industry, educators, and the public, but the conversation can only benefit from including more diverse perspectives – especially yours.

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Once again, please join us for this historic event!