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Posted on behalf of EUROLAB
Dear EUROLAB Members and Contacts,
We are pleased to announce that registration for our upcoming Webinar on the “Mutual Recognition Agreements on Conformity Assessment and Challenges Faced by Laboratories in the EU and International Export Markets” is now open.
Don’t miss the opportunity to attend the webinar on 2 October 2024, from 10:00-13:30 CET to gain valuable insights into the crucial role of MRAs in global trade and the challenges and opportunities they present for laboratories in the EU and beyond. The discussion will be led by industry experts and policymakers, with a keynote address by Lucian Cernat, Head of Unit at DG Trade, European Commission.
Updates and news regarding the webinar will be posted on the EUROLAB website and LinkedIn page .
Register here by 29 September.
Reproduced on behalf of A2LA.
With great sadness, The American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) shares the passing of founding member and first president, John William Locke, at the age of 91. Locke passed away on September 11, 2024, after a brief illness.
John served as A2LA’s first president for 10 years from 1986-1996 and made monumental contributions to the global accreditation industry throughout his long, successful career.
“Without John, A2LA wouldn’t be here today,” said A2LA’s current President and CEO Lonnie Spires.
“Once I began traveling internationally and working with APLAC and ILAC, I saw his fingerprints everywhere on the international accreditation landscape,” said A2LA Vice President of Accreditation Services Trace McInturff. “John’s vision went beyond just establishing a domestic accreditation body that could service all industries in the United States. It included the goal of ‘one accreditation accepted everywhere’—which has been achieved with ILAC today.”
John Locke Award
Since 2006, A2LA has presented an annual award in John’s namesake, the John Locke Award—and is the highest honor presented by the association. The award honors a distinguished recipient for their years of hard work and dedication in accreditation. To achieve this honor, the recipient must achieve six out of seven of the following criteria:
John W. Locke’s Life
John was born in LaSalle, Illinois on January 27, 1933, and grew up on a farm tending to animals. He attended high school and junior college at St. Bede Academy and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Illinois. In 1955, John married his wife Margaret Kincius, and together, they had six children.
During his career, John worked on Cold War era airplanes and missiles, and later on, worked for various government agencies. He then transitioned to developing standards for the accreditation of laboratories. After John retired from a successful career in the accreditation industry, he studied at seminary and was ordained a Deacon in the Catholic Church.
Honoring John’s Memory
John’s legacy will forever be remembered by A2LA’s leadership, staff, assessors, and even many longtime customers. A2LA’s headquarters, located in Frederick, MD, includes a conference room named in John’s honor, the Locke Conference Room.
Posted on behalf of Eurachem
PRODUCTION OF QUALITATIVE REFERENCE MATERIALS
19 September, 2024
The number of reference materials (RMs), including certified reference materials (CRMs) characterized for qualitative properties, has steadily increased in recent years. In response, the Technical Committee for Reference Materials of the International Organization for Standardization, ISO/TC 334m developed USI 33496 to provide guidance to reference material producers (RMPs) on producing qualitative RMs. ISO 33406 builds on the general requirements in ISO 17034:2016 for RMP competence, and offers specific guidance on value assignment, assessment of homogeneity and stability, statement of metrological traceability, and measurement uncertainty evaluation for RMs with qualitative property values.
The workshop aims to:
The workshop is free to attend, subject to registration. Registration is online only.
View and download the Draft Program here:
Pre-register here:
Visit the event website here:
The International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) have formalized their longstanding collaboration, recently signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
ILAC is the specialized body administering a global multilateral Mutual Recognition Arrangement among accreditation bodies responsible for accreditation of conformity assessment bodies, including testing laboratories.
The IFHA is the global leader for the international sport of thoroughbred racing. It seeks to promote all facets of the worldwide sport of thoroughbred racing; protect the welfare of the equine and human athletes; and protect and grow its global social and economic significance for current and future generations.
For more than 30 years, the use of ILAC G-7 document Accreditation requirements and Operating Criteria for Horseracing Laboratories (which can be viewed and downloaded here) has helped achieve greater consistency across horse racing laboratories, particularly in the area of anti-doping efforts.
Both organisations look forward to continuing their collaboration for the ongoing maintenance of ILAC-G7 as an independent, third-party guidance document for horse racing laboratories.
It is further envisaged that under the MoU the collaboration be extended to:
You can view and download the MoU here
Further information on the IFHA and its activities is available here
Published on behalf of AFPAN.
ABOUT APFAN
The Asia Pacific Food Analysis Network (APFAN) is a special project of the Federation of Asian Chemical Societies (FACS) and was formed at the Third Asian Chemical Congress in Brisbane in 1989.
APFAN’s mission is to serve the needs of food analysts in their dual roles to achieve food quality, food safety, and good nutrition and to promote food trade in the Asia Pacific region. APFAN helps its members to maintain and improve their abilities in food analysis and this is achieved by developing a network of food scientists and food technologists that encourages the sharing of ideas, concepts, and methods through online communication and in-person meetings.
On behalf of APFAN, in partnership with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and the Department of Chemistry Malaysia (KIMIA), I am pleased to advise that Registration and the Call for Abstracts are open for the upcoming APFAN PT4 Workshop entitled: “International Workshop on Advancing Food Analysis, Safety and Testing Standards for Global Comparability”.
This three-day International Workshop will be held from 15th – 17th July, 2024 at The Everly Hotel, located in Putrajaya, Malaysia.
The Workshop will cover many topics including:
– Method Validation and Measurement Uncertainty
– Food Analysis
– Food Microbiology
– Proficiency Testing and Reference Materials
– Food Safety and Food Security
– Laboratory Accreditation Requirements
ABSTRACTS
The APFAN PT4 Organising Committee is pleased to invite authors to submit their abstracts for oral and/or poster presentations, to be presented during the Workshop.
The abstract’s template is here:
Due date for abstract submission: 15th June 2024
REGISTRATION
For more details, please visit the APFAN PT4 Workshop website here: or Download the Poster. For any enquiries, please contact the APFAN PT4 Organising Committee here:
Published on behalf of OIML.
The April/May 2024 edition of the OIML Bulletin on the theme “Sustainability” is now available.
You can access the Bulletin here:
The issue contains eight papers in the “Technique” and “Evolutions” sections on how metrology can support sustainability:
In the “Update” section there are reports on:
The Editorial is written by CIML President Dr Bobjoseph Mathew.
An article explaining the Walbrook AI Accord as presented at the April 2024 INetQI meeting:
A global initiative providing ways in which professionals and firms worldwide can respond to the ethical challenges of Artificial Intelligence
AI has the potential to affect society and individuals materially in both positive and negative ways. Without ethical guidelines and regulations in place, the misuse or mishandling of data can result in harm to individuals or groups. As AI becomes more advanced and widespread, there are growing concerns about issues such as bias, transparency, accountability, and safety.
The Walbrook AI Accord has launched an initiative to develop ethical AI standards. Initially the standards are embodied in course for professionals working with AI. The Initiative has now moved to promote standards for firm-wide certification. The approach is international rather than national, and promotes the use of existing ISO standards rather than the creation of new ones.
The Walbrook Accord serves as an invitation to collaborate on a voluntary and non-binding basis. It serves as a conduit to unify our collective endeavours and foster stronger connections over time. We are gratified by the support from ISO, IAF and other organisations. There is no set deadline for participation and we look forward to others joining. This initiative is inclusive and open to all.
The primary focus of the Accord is to facilitate three tangible outcomes:
• Advocating for the adoption of Quality Infrastructure for AI assurance;
• Developing assurance standards and methodologies; and
• Facilitating training and skill development for AI assurance professionals
We hope that INetQI and its members will endorse this initiative and help propel it to the next phase, ultimately establishing a robust assurance framework for the ethical deployment of AI. This will enable enterprises to demonstrate that their AI systems are safe, compliant, and aligned with societal values.
From the Lord mayor’s website:
“We are promoting the use of ISO/IEC 42001:2023 Artificial Intelligence – Management System by firms. For comparison, this is an organisational certification similar to ISO 9000, ISO 14000, etc. At the TIC Summit 2024, being held on 14 May in Brussels, representatives of more than 25 nations’ quality infrastructure bodies will be signing the Walbrook AI QI Accord.”
Matt Gantley’s responses to FAQs
Can you please clarify how ILAC members can endorse the initiative?
There is no limit – the Walbrook AI Accord is an invitation to collaborate
Are the individual ILAC members able to sign the Walbrook AI Accord?
Yes they can agree to support it individually. We would hope that ILAC can support it at an international level so that the initiatives and outcome of the Accord can be shared with all ILAC members. Especially for AI testing and training/skills development.
If so, what is the mechanism, i.e. who do they need to contact to progress their endorsement of the Walbrook AI Accord?
We haven’t agreed a process for lodging support – but for now if ILAC or any ILAC members email Matt Gantley or Hanane Taidi we will make sure they are included in all the communications and the first round of organisations expressing support.
You can read more of the 695th Lord Mayor’s Ethical AI Initiative here:
You can access the slide presentation from the recent INetQI meeting here: and the accompanying Agenda paper here:
Following approval by the ISO Technical Management Board of the above referenced IWA proposal from the British Standards Institution (BSI), the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (ABNT) and Standards Council of Canada (SCC), ISO is pleased to invite you to develop an International Workshop Agreement (IWA 48) Framework for Implementing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Principles.
Briefing meetings will be held online in May, to outline purpose of IWA, introduce the initial draft and confirm IWA process. All registered participants will be advised of the dates in due course.
A series of international workshops will take place between July and September 2024. The initial Workshop meeting dates are:
Workshop 1 (virtual)
• 8th July 2024, 11:00 – 14:30 UTC
Workshop 2 (virtual)
• 10th July 2024, 18:00 – 21:30 UTC
These first two workshops will focus on the draft IWA 48 and stakeholder comments received.Stakeholders are requested to attend both workshops as these are not intended to be duplicate sessions.
There will be further workshops in August and September on dates to be announced. Different time zones will be accommodated for these further workshops.
Meeting credentials will be distributed to registered individuals near the date of the meetings. Please visit the ESG IWA registration page (which is being hosted by BSI) to register your interest and participate in the workshops and receive updates, including relevant research and documentation.
An initial draft of the IWA will be shared for feedback to registered stakeholders by 1 May 2024 and details on how to submit comments will accompany the draft.
Further information is available in the Summary Note and Proposal for an International Workshop Agreement. Click 2024-04-05 Circular letter TMB IWA 48 Framework for implementing ESG principles with Annexes for details.
On 18 April, Ms Ileana Martinez, Trade and Accreditation Director of the TIC Council presented at the INetQI meeting. You can find a copy of her presentation Here TIC Council presentation – INetQI meeting
“In closing Ileana mentioned the open session of the TIC Council Summit in May and requested the INetQI members to share the information on the Summit with their membership.
Artificial Intelligence is transforming our lives. From optimising decision-making processes to enhancing productivity, the potential benefits are vast and undeniable.
To fully grasp the implications of AI, we must consider not only its potential benefits but also the ethical and societal dilemmas it presents. Imagine a world where our every move is monitored, our decisions influenced, and our freedoms curtailed by algorithms. This dystopian scenario is not science fiction but a stark possibility if we fail to act responsibly and build appropriate guardrails.
The TIC Summit 2024 will bring together global voices currently working on AI from academia, industry, and regulatory points of view to discuss what it takes to build trust in AI.
Please note that the deadline to register is 1 May.
For further enquiries, please contact the TIC Council Secretariat
To access the full program and register for the Summit, click Here
2024 Annual Meeting of the International Seed Testing Association Set to Commemorate Centennial Milestone in Cambridge, UK
Wallisellen, Switzerland – April 05, 2024 – The International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) is thrilled to announce that the highly anticipated 2024 Annual Meeting will be held in the historic city of Cambridge, UK, from July 1st to July 4th, at the Cambridge Union Society in Cambridge, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. This year’s gathering holds special significance as it coincides with the remarkable centennial anniversary of ISTA, marking a century of progress in seed quality assurance.
ISTA, a globally renowned association dedicated to promoting uniformity in seed testing procedures and standards, has been at the forefront of fostering innovation and ensuring the quality and reliability of seeds worldwide since its inception in 1924. As it celebrates its hundredth year of advancing the science and practice of seed testing, the 2024 Annual Meeting promises to be an event of unparalleled significance and impact.
Set against the backdrop of the illustrious University of Cambridge, this year’s meeting will bring together leading experts, researchers, industry professionals, and stakeholders from around the world. Attendees can expect a comprehensive program featuring insightful presentations, engaging meetings, and interactive discussions on the latest advancements, trends, and challenges in seed testing, quality assurance, and seed technology.
In addition to the academic and professional sessions, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the picturesque city of Cambridge, renowned for its historic architecture, cultural heritage, and world-class research institutions. The meeting venue, nestled amidst the stunning landscapes and iconic landmarks of Cambridge, will provide an inspiring setting for networking and fostering collaborations among participants.
Registration for the 2024 Annual Meeting of ISTA is open, with early bird discounts available for a limited time, until 30 April 2024.
For more information about the program, registration, venues and accommodations, please visit the official conference website at ISTA2024.
Join us in Cambridge from July 1st to June 4th, 2024, as we commemorate a hundred years of excellence in seed testing and embark on a new era of innovation and collaboration in ensuring global food security and sustainability.
To register click Here