Research infrastructures as engines of integration for micro- and nanomaterial research: a European perspective inspired by FHERITALE

Micro- and nanomaterials have become pervasive across ecosystems, food systems, and human environments, raising urgent questions about exposure, toxicity, and long-term impacts. Yet despite rapid scientific advances, the research landscape remains fragmented, with inconsistent terminology, heterogeneous methodologies, and uneven technological capabilities across laboratories. The FHERITALE initiative— Food , Health and Environment Research Infrastructures to Tackle Emerging Priorities —offers a unique cross-domain analysis of these challenges and outlines a roadmap for coordinated European action. Drawing on the FHERITALE Policy Brief and White Paper, this perspective synthesizes current gaps, emerging priorities, and the strategic role of Research Infrastructures (RIs) in enabling a One Health approach. We argue that Europe is poised to lead globally in micro- and nanomaterial research if it can integrate RI capabilities, harmonize standards, and shift from descriptive studies toward mitigation, remediation, and policy-relevant solutions.