Dr Karinne Ludlow, Professor Graeme Hodge & Dr Diana Bowman

Dr Diana Bowman, Professor Graeme Hodge and Dr Karinne Ludlow are members of the Monash Centre for Regulatory Studies in the Faculty of Law.

They commenced their study on nanotechnology regulation and policy in 2004. Their investigation focuses on the current regulation framework for nanotechnologies, both nationally and internationally. They also provide advice for government policy. To what extent will the public and private sectors play a role in governing this new technology?

There are many big questions surrounding this nanotechnology. As it is the new buzzword there is no shortage of global investment. But there is also no shortage of scepticism and general mistrust.  Early on, the multi-disciplinary team at the Centre for Regulatory Studies realised the potential advantages and disadvantages of nanotechnology. They also understood the importance of participating in the debate.

The Centre’s research focuses on regulating the development and commercialisation of nanotechnologies. A study onAustralia’s industrial chemical regulations for managing nano-scale materials like cosmetic ingredients provided valuable experience for the current investigation into the European Union’s new Chemical Directive, REACH, and the Cosmetic Directive.  The Centre is also exploring the regulation of biosensors and diagnostics, as the use of nanotechnology in this area increases.

With a wide range of experience between them in law, regulation, science and public policy, Dr Bowman, Professor Hodge and Dr Ludlow are determined to address the following issues:

• to separate fact from fiction, allowing the public to make an informed opinion on the potential risks and benefits of nanotechnologies;
• to maintain appropriate regulation of nanotechnologies as advances are made;
• to highlight the possible social, health and environmental impacts of nanotechnologies, allowing appropriate control of the science and its commercial applications.

“We believe it is crucial that governments learn the lessons from the development of previous technologies and products, such as GMOs and asbestos, and adopt an integrated approach to the regulation of this emerging technology. By informing and participating in the debate, the team from the Centre for Regulatory Studies intends to assist government in doing just that.”

The Centre for Regulatory Studies has been at the forefront of the nanotechnology regulation debate in Australia . Nationally, they have established a close working-relationship with experts at Nanotechnology Victoria . The team has also assisted the Australian Office of Nanotechnology, Department of Industry, Tourism and Resource, in its assessment of the possible impacts of nanotechnology on the current federal regulatory frameworks.

Internationally, members of the Centre have worked with leading experts at the Central Science Laboratory in the UK, the Centre for the Study of Law at the University of Twente in the Netherlands, in Science and Technology and Law at Arizona State University in the US and at the US Lux Research Inc.

Members of the Centre also pursue their individual interests. Dr Bowman’s expertise sees her engaged in research in the areas of utility regulation, public and private sector corruption, public-private partnerships and public accountability.

As a leading international analyst on privatization, public–private partnerships, and public accountability, Professor Hodge has worked as a special adviser to parliamentary committees.

Dr Ludlow specialises in the relationship between law and science, specifically in the Australian regulation of agricultural and industrial biotechnology.

Click here for more information regarding New Global Frontiers in Regulation: The Age of Nanotechnology edited by Professor Hodge, Dr Ludlow & Dr Bowman.

Selected Publications

Ludlow K., Bowman D.M. & Hodge G.A. (2007), Final Report: Review of Possible Impacts of Nanotechnology on Australia's Regulatory Frameworks, Melbourne: Monash Centre for Regulatory Studies, Monash University,

Hodge G.A, Bowman D.M. & Ludlow K. (2007), ‘Introduction: Big Questions for Small Technologies’, in Graeme Hodge, Diana Bowman and Karinne Ludlow (eds), New Global Frontiers in Regulation: The Age of Nanotechnology, Cheltenham: Edward Elgar, pp.3-28.

Hodge G.A. (2007), ‘Evaluating What Will Work in Nanotechnology Regulation: In Pursuit of the Public Interest’, Graeme Hodge, Diana Bowman and Karinne Ludlow (eds), New Global Frontiers in Regulation: The Nanotechnology Age, Cheltenham: Edward Elgar, pp.111 - 133.

Ludlow K. (2007), ‘More than Science: Ethical and Socio-Economic Concerns in Nanotechnology Regulation in Australia’, in Graeme Hodge, Diana Bowman and Karinne Ludlow (eds), New Global Frontiers in Regulation: The Age of Nanotechnology, Cheltenham: Edward Elgar, pp.166-188.

Bowman D.M. & Hodge G.A.  (2007), ‘Nanotechnology Products in Australia: Chemicals, Cosmetics and Regulatory Character’, in Graeme Hodge, Diana Bowman and Karinne Ludlow (eds), New Global Frontiers in Regulation: The Age of Nanotechnology, Cheltenham: Edward Elgar, pp.239-264.

Bowman D.M. & Gilligan G. (2007) ‘How will the regulation of nanotechnology develop? Clues from other sectors’, in Graeme Hodge, Diana Bowman and Karinne Ludlow (eds), New Global Frontiers in Regulation: The Nanotechnology Age, Cheltenham: Edward Elgar, pp.353-384.

Hodge G.A, DM Bowman, and K. Ludlow (2007), ‘Big Regulatory Questions: Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue’, in Graeme Hodge, Diana Bowman and Karinne Ludlow (eds), New Global Frontiers in Regulation: The Age of Nanotechnology, Cheltenham: Edward Elgar, pp.385-406.

Ludlow K.A. (2007), ‘One size fits all? Australian regulation of nanoparticle exposure in the workplace, Journal of Law and Medicine, 15, 136-154.

Bowman D.M. & van Calster G. (2007), ‘Has REACH Gone Too Far?’ Nature Nanotechnology, 2(9), 525-526. 

Bowman D.M. &  Hodge G.A.  (2007) ‘A Small Matter of Regulation: An International Review of Nanotechnology Regulation’, Columbia Science and Technology Law Review, 8, 1-32.