- Welcome Guest
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Posted on behalf of Stakeholder Member, the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI)
Dear colleagues and valued stakeholders,
We are delighted to extend an invitation to you for our upcoming dissemination event:
“CERTAIN FORS: Innovation in forensic science, setting the standards for the future”
September 23rd – 24th 2024
Frankfurt, Germany
We believe that your presence at this event will greatly contribute to the exchange of knowledge and ideas in the field of forensic science. Your expertise and insights will be invaluable in shaping the discussions and outcomes of the event.
We look forward to welcoming you at the event and to the opportunity to engage with you on this important topic.
The event will commence on September 23rd with a leisurely stroll through the Old Town, followed by dinner. The walk is scheduled to begin at 5 PM, so please ensure to check in at the hotel by 3 PM on September 23rd.
On the following day, after breakfast and check-out, a shuttle service will transport us from the hotel to the event venue. The event will conclude around 5 PM on September 24th. Hotel rooms are booked and prepaid from 23rd to 24th of September. If you need an additional night due to flight/train schedules, you may specify in the registration process.
You can register here
To stay updated on this event and for public transport instructions in Frankfurt, please visit our website
If you have any remaining questions, please do not hesitate to contact us in organizational matters (secretariat@enfsi.eu) or Raimonds Apinis (raimonds.apinis@ekei.ee ) for thematic questions.
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:
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.
The One Organisation Project Steering Committee (OOP SC) met on Friday 17 May 2024. The Steering Committee discussed the dispositions of comments received from IAF and ILAC members on the draft GLOBAC Constitution and General Rules. The Steering Committee also discussed the Transition Scenario to form GLOBAC and briefly discussed development of GLOBAC documentation.
The OOP SC will report to the IAF and ILAC Joint Executive Committees meeting to be held on Monday 3 June 2024. Following this meeting it is anticipated that the draft GLOBAC Constitution and General Rules and the Transition Scenario will be circulated to the IAF and ILAC members for ballot.
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:
The Annual Conference of the Association of Pathologists, PathCon, and LabExpo 2023, held at The Lalit in New Delhi on 16th & 17th December 2023, emerged as a key nexus for over 300 medical professionals. Comprising physicians, pathologists, microbiologists, and biochemists committed to quality assurance and accreditation processes, PathCon served as a beacon of collaboration within the realm of pathology.
The gathering coordinated a variety of educational activities, with lectures spanning growing trends, diagnostic intricacies, and nuanced treatment paradigms. Case study presentations provided fertile ground for the development of diagnostic skills, while hands-on workshops augmented practical knowledge across histopathological nuances and molecular diagnostics. Poster presentations encouraged spirited discussions, enhancing and expanding upon the collective knowledge of those present.
PathCon fostered interdisciplinary interactions, cultivating a holistic ethos towards patient-centric care. Attendees seized networking opportunities, engaging with peers, mentors, and industry stalwarts to cultivate enduring relationships. Mentorship flourished, nurturing a legacy of excellence.
Professional development was was enhanced by PathCon’s Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits, ensuring ongoing knowledge cultivation and certification fulfilment. Participation elevated professional eminence, paving avenues for career progression and fostering innovation in patient care. PathCon stands as a stronghold of education, offering intellectual, networking, and professional developmental riches. Medical professionals continue to enrich their understanding, spearheading transformative changes in pathology and ultimately enhancing global healthcare excellence.
The Accreditation Education Research and Scientific Services Center Pvt.Ltd (AERSSC) held a Stakeholder Conclave on 9 March 2024. For an update on the Conclave click on the following link.
AERSSC Article
The European Federation of National Associations of Measurement, Testing and Analytical Laboratories (EUROLAB) is glad to share three updates on key activities and initiatives.
ANNUAL REPORT 2023
EUROLAB has published its Annual Report 2023 which includes an overview of EUROLAB’s most notable achievements and landmark events for last year, with details on the current and future activities, international collaborations, projects of interest to laboratories and the latest news from the Technical Committee on Quality Assurance.
The document summarises EUROLAB’s involvement in the laboratory community and the cooperation with the members and stakeholders.
EUROLAB would like to thank all its members and stakeholders for the fruitful collaboration in 2023 and looks forward to continuing enhancing joint cooperation opportunities in the future.
The Annual Report is available on EUROLAB’s website.
EUROLAB GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN VIENNA
EUROLAB General Assembly & Accompanying Events, will took place on 17- 19 April 2024 in Vienna (Austria) at the Austrian Standards Institute, kindly hosted by AUSTROLAB.
The meetings represented an important occasion to discuss face to face the latest key issues, projects and key priorities for EUROLAB and the world of laboratories, and further engage with the members and the local laboratory community.
EUROLAB JOINS THE LABSUMMIT® 2024 AS INSTITUTIONAL SPONSOR
EUROLAB is one of the institutional sponsors of the Labsummit® 2024, taking place on 16-18 May 2024 in Coimbra (Portugal), jointly organised by RELACRE, ISQ and Ambidata.
The international event will feature 1000 attendees and host more than 30 exhibitors with more than 100 sessions. Its aim is to bring together professionals from the laboratory industry, scientists and policy makers, managers and administrators, students, and all those interested in discussing the latest trends, technologies, and challenges of the present and future in the field of laboratories.
The Labsummit® aims to promote an inspiring environment where participants can update themselves, share knowledge, establish partnerships, and drive the advancement of the laboratory industry. It focuses on four distinct pillars – Laboratory, Digital, Productivity, and Sustainability – which represent the main concerns and challenges faced by laboratory professionals who are constantly seeking valuable solutions and information to improve the efficiency, quality, and sustainability of laboratory processes.
Furthermore, the event will feature exhibitors, workshops, expert lecturers, successful case presentations and panel discussions. Amongst the various high-level speakers, EUROLAB will be represented by the President, Mr Paolo Moscatti who will be participating as a speaker in the Labsummit®.
All these different activities together offer a big opportunity of networking and interaction between different realities and work environments that cannot be missed.
Further information on the event is available here
For registration, click here
On the tenth anniversary of ASCOLAB April 17, 2023, the Executive Committee wanted to motivate its members by certificates in an impartial and independent manner.
WHY? Promote accreditation and encourage members to adopt the quality approach.
CRITERIA?
ELIGIBLE LABORATORIES
OCC Chemical and Microbiology Testing Laboratories AWARDS 15 March 2024
University Environmental Testing Laboratory AWARDS, Lubumbashi, 30 March 2024
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.