Monash Centre for Regulatory Studies

Monash University, established in 1958, is Australia's most internationalized university. The Monash Centre for Regulatory Studies (MCRS) was founded in May 2009, and aims to provide a better understanding of the nature, extent, and implications of contemporary regulatory environment. The debate on nanotechnology's possible negative effects is a concern that Monash University shares. MCRS research in nanosciences and nanotechnology focuses on the possible impacts to Australia's regulatory frameworks. The establishment of MCRS was motivated by the need to better understand the various factors that comprise contemporary regulation at both national and international levels, and to provide practitioners and scholars with a core set of ideas, theories, and skills to apply to their activities the field.

MCRS aims to integrate theory and practice through a broad, cross-disciplinary approach by addressing regulatory issues using flexible postgraduate teaching and research programs. MCRS was established as a joint initiative between the faculties of law, business and economics, arts, medicine, nursing and health sciences, and pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences. The director of MRCS, Professor Graeme Hodge, continues to stress the importance of regulatory studies in nanosciences and nanotechnologies. At the 2009 one-day symposium “Nanotechnology: Science, Policy & Public Perspective” (hosted by Monash University Institute for Nanosciences, Materials and Manufacture, MCRS, and the Faculty of Arts School of Political and Social Inquiry), scientists and players from the industry discussed the basics of the field, as well as policy, perceptions, and prospects, and held an industry panel, thereby helping to expand the public's understanding of the social, economic, and cultural consequences of nanotechnology.

The diverse backgrounds of the researchers at MCRS allow for investigating and teaching various aspects of regulation in nanoscience and nanotechnology: risk management, risk governance, regulatory challenges, governing nanotechnologies with civility, and the possible establishment of transnational codes and public registries as tools. Case studies comprise biomedical nanotechnology, as well as nanotechnologies in cosmetics (such as sunscreens), foods and food contact materials, and environmental health and safety.

[Page 437]The regulatory sector in Australia is extensive and complex, with over 60 major regulatory bodies. Apart from the federal and state governments, considerable funds are committed by businesses and industry toward regulatory processes. Although the regulatory sector at the state, national and international level is extensive and complex, the study of regulation in itself is a relatively new discipline in Australia.