As part of the ongoing outreach efforts of the CheMatSustain (CMS) project, an in-person workshop was held to gather expert input on crafting a concrete and effective strategy for advancing knowledge exchange of CMS outcomes through the CheMatSustain Facility (CMSF). The event, included in the Venice Training School 2025’s program, was titled “Designing a Knowledge Exchange Strategy for Enhanced Stakeholder Engagement” and was conducted as a 45-minute session. The 30 participants, consisting of researchers from various EU projects, were presented with a series of questions focusing on safety and the role of the newly introduced CMSF. The first question addressed chemicals and nanomaterials (CNMs) and asked stakeholders to indicate their preferred support tools and resources. Participants ranked six different options based on their perceived usefulness or priority. From the responses (seen below), it became clear that tools enabling users to evaluate environmental and health risks in an interactive manner were considered the most valuable. These were closely followed by the need for reliable data to guide decision-making in industrial contexts.
Figure 1. Components for Safe and Sustainable Deployment of CNMs
A short discussion followed these results before moving to the second question, which focused on identifying elements that could make the CMSF credible and practical. Transparency in data sourcing and methodology stood out as the most crucial aspect according to participants, while policy briefs and business reports were seen as having limited value in this regard. These views were framed in terms of outreach both to relevant stakeholders and the wider public, with a brief exchange of ideas underscoring the strong interest in transparency-related topics.
Figure 2. Key factors identified by participants for enhancing the CMSF’s impact
The third question explored how to promote reciprocal value and ongoing involvement, aiming to ensure that users would return to the CMSF over time. Once again, the responses underscored the necessity of empowering industry actors to make evidence-based choices. At the same time, increasing public awareness around the impacts of CNMs was seen as an essential factor, especially in contributing to the development of a regulatory framework grounded in the principles of SSbD.
Figure 3. Participant views on what ensures lasting usability
The final segment of the session gave participants space to suggest ways to strengthen stakeholder engagement in the CNM domain. Several recurring themes emerged, notably the strong demand for unrestricted access to information, clarity, and meaningful engagement across different actors. Among the most frequently cited approaches were consumer-targeted surveys, as well as interviews, focus groups, and dynamic meetings to promote mutual comprehension. Many emphasized the importance of convening stakeholders from different sectors in open dialogues to define shared goals. A particularly evident trend was the appreciation for flexible, inclusive formats that encourage collaboration, reinforce trust, and help shape knowledge collectively for better CNM governance. To conclude the session, participants offered a range of proposals that, despite their variety, pointed in a similar direction regarding how to strengthen stakeholder engagement in the CNM sector. Central to their suggestions was the importance of ensuring free access to information, openness in communication, and meaningful participation across all groups involved. Among the most valued approaches were surveys aimed especially at consumers, seen as a useful tool to collect initial feedback. These were seen as ideally complemented by more in-depth methods like interviews, focus groups, and collaborative meetings designed to build shared understanding. Several attendees stressed the benefit of creating inclusive spaces where stakeholders from different backgrounds and sectors could engage in transparent, goal-oriented conversations. The feedback gathered clearly indicated a strong inclination toward dynamic and inclusive engagement formats that encourage cooperation, build mutual trust, and enable joint knowledge development in the context of CNM policy and practice. The session wrapped up with a short plenary exchange, allowing participants to voice further reflections, challenges, and early strategic ideas to carry forward beyond the training environment.
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