Session 3: How to mitigate the socio-technical barriers to the uptake of NAMs?

In this session, we explored the key barriers to the adoption of NAMs and identify practical ways to overcome them. Laura Holden will present insights from the PrecisionTox study, highlighting technical, institutional, and cultural challenges, while Love Hansell will guide the discussion and help uncover overlooked barriers.

Through live polls, structured dialogue, and audience Q&A, we tempted to examine where these barriers arise, why stakeholders disagree, and what realistic steps can accelerate adoption. The session concluded with this takeaway: the complexity is real and needs to be embraced and discussed broadly if we want a chance to move foward and mitigate some barriers.

Guest: Laura Holden, University of Birmingham

Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham, specialising in environmental law and regulatory change. A former UK regulator and advisor to Defra, she works on biodegradation of polymers, environmental mixtures, and regulatory acceptance of AI within PARC, NAMWISE, and PrecisionTox.

Co-host & Facilitator: Love Hansell, Radboud University 

PhD student in social sciences specialising in political science at the Radboud University at Nijmegen School of Management, analyses the institutional and social dynamics that influence the adoption of NAMs. As a contributor to the communication and dissemination strategy for NAMs, his interdisciplinary perspective is essential to understanding the non-technical barriers and drivers of the transition.