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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.
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
IAF and ILAC have released a new episode of their podcast, Accreditation Matters, which features discussions with international experts on matters of importance to the international quality infrastructure community. Accreditation Matters highlights the way that accreditation supports industry, regulators, global trade, consumers, and the drive towards sustainability.
‘The Importance of Accreditation for the Private Sector’ is the second episode in IAF and ILAC’s new sub-series on the role of accreditation in the food industry. Listen to it on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts and Amazon Music, or watch it on YouTube.
In this episode, IAF WG Food Co-Convener Colin Christmas (EAGLE Certification Group, IQNET representative) leads a discussion with LeAnn Chuboff (Vice President of Technical Affairs, SQF), Chryssa Dimitriadis (Director of IFS Standard Management, IFS), Aldin Hilbrands (CEO, Foundation FSSC), Quincy Lissaur (Executive Director, SSAFE), Amanda McCarthy (Business Director, BRCGS), and Mark Overland (industry representative, formerly at Cargill). The guests highlight main conformity assessment schemes and standards, and discuss the key role of accreditation in the production of safe food and assuring consumers that products meet dietary and sustainability claims.
The International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) is a worldwide organisation for clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine. It has a range of roles that include: global standard setting in collaboration with other international organisations; supporting its members through scientific and educational endeavour; and providing a series of congresses, conferences and focussed meetings, in order for laboratory medicine specialists ot meet and present original findings and best practice.
We are pleased to announce a joint IFCC – ILAC webinar “Quality System in Labs and Accreditation – Challenges of the new ISO 15189:2022”. The aim of the webinar is to share knowledge on the importance of accreditation in the medical field.
The webinar will show how the harmonized implementation of management systems according to ISO 15189 in medical laboratories, improves the validity of clinical results essential for patient care. It will also describe the ILAC role in this process.
The Webinar will take place on Tuesday 19 March 2024 from 13:00 to 14:30 (UTC+01:00). A link and login details will be posted on this website as soon as they are available.