Beijing Symposium October Virtual Metrology Institute- A Reality for Small Countries LALY SAMUEL Measurement Standards Laboratory of New Zealand Industrial Research Gracefield, Lower Hutt

Beijing Symposium October Brief History of Analytical Measurements in New Zealand  1865 started as Colonial Analyst Analyzing minerals to rot- proofing vegetable fibers, testing poisonous alkaloids in native plants, Adulteration of food materials  1907 the office became Dominion Analyst (DA) Work ranged from the reliability of analytical work for the crown especially for legal purposes and advises on chemically related issues of public importance.  1992 June 30 the office abolished due to less commercial advantage A key function of the DA is still working in the Environmental Health and Forensic Science Research Institute (ESR)

Beijing Symposium October SINCE 1992  All Crown (National) Research Institutes (CRI’s) turned into Government owned companies  Ten CRI's were formed along with MSL during the reorganisation of DSIR (Department of Scientific and Industrial Research)  MSL was included as part of the Institute for Industrial Research and Development, also known as Industrial Research Limited.

Beijing Symposium October MSL - The National Metrology Institute  The Measurement Standards Laboratory (MSL) is a team within the R&D Operations division of Industrial Research Limited.  MSL is currently staffed by approximately 30 scientists and science technicians.  MSL operates under the Measurement Standards Act 1992 and the National Standards Regulations 1976 (with Amendments No. 1, 1992).

Beijing Symposium October Metrology in Chemistry (MiC) in NZ  To introduce a formal infrastructure for traceability in chemical and biological measurements in NZ  To improve the quality of chemical and biological measurements in NZ and to ensure that NZ measurements are comparable both nationally and internationally Objectives

Beijing Symposium October Relevance of MiC to New Zealand  About 70% of the accredited laboratories are dealing with chemical or biological products, and/or measurements  Those accredited labs include testing laboratories, calibration laboratories, radiology services and inspection services

Beijing Symposium October Approach adopted to bring interest in MiC  As much interaction with field laboratories  Collaborating with other inter-governmental organisations  Ensure their participation and consultation in project proposals

Beijing Symposium October Bringing Interest to  Meetings/Discussions  Workshop  Kick off Workshop in May 1998  Project proposal workshop in October 2003  Implementation Consultation workshop, May 2004  Questions asked for the Questionnaire survey What are the main fields of your work? Laboratory details Reference materials (RM) / proficiency programmes (PP) you would like to use / participate but which are not available for you. Why are they not available

Beijing Symposium October Questionnaire Survey Responses Not using RM(16%) Not participating PT(27%) Following responses were received for the Questions

Beijing Symposium October Metrology in Chemistry Project Proposals  Proposal 1 : Virtual Institute for Metrology in Chemistry To provide effective representation of New Zealand issues to international scientific and technical committees and to disseminate essential metrology information within New Zealand.  Proposal 2 : Matrix Reference Materials To provide acceptable reference materials relevant to New Zealand measurement needs that are not conveniently available elsewhere.  Proposal 3 : Metrology in Bio-analysis- Development of DNA reference materials To provide DNA reference standards for PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) measurements and develop methodologies involving quantitative testing of micro and genetically modified (GM) organisms in matrices such as food, water and environment.

Beijing Symposium October Relative priorities from Review  50% voted for proposal 1  36% supported proposal 2  7% for proposal 3  7% Extension work? from Workshop  All selected VIMC as Priority 1, RM priority 2 and DNA priority 3

Beijing Symposium October Virtual Institute for Metrology in Chemistry (VIMC) What is this ?  This is a network structure of existing arrangements and organizations without walls running by using available resources and facilities in New Zealand. Bringing all expertise together Bringing all laboratories together  VIMC shall become the major source for dissemination of information related to traceability in chemistry and biology.  It will provide all the services that a metrology institute could provide.  Work together to increase awareness of metrology in Chemistry and Biology among NZ measurement group Cost effective way of implementation

Beijing Symposium October A Virtual Institute for Metrology in Chemistry The national economy MSL External standards suppliers National expertise centres R&D Next steps

Beijing Symposium October Characteristics of VIMC Partners  True expertise in specialist area  appropriate depth  appropriate scope  Willingness to work cooperatively within VIMC  Commitment  finance  equipment  staff  Metrological systems in place  Strong linkages to user community Next steps

Beijing Symposium October Expectations of VIMC Partners  Standards Development and Maintenance  long-term commitment  within VIMC, setting of priorities for new work  Standards Dissemination to NZ community  proficiency testing schemes  reference materials  provide IANZ with assessors and advice  provide uncertainty training  Linkage to global standards  representation of New Zealand at specialist international metrology forums  participation in regional, global measurement comparisons

Beijing Symposium October Establishment Process  Identify  Stakeholders  for feedback on priorities  User groups  to establish requirements  Partners  to implement specialist requirements  Agreements with partners  manage conflicts of interest  clear public good focus (for funding)  Investment in new capabilities Next steps

Beijing Symposium October References  EURACHEM/CITAC Guide – Traceability in Chemical Measurement, A guide to achieving comparable results in chemical measurement,  WTO TBT Agreement 1994 Article 2.2  General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. NZS/ISO/IEC 17025, 2000 IANZ, New Zealand  Scientific Cooperation Task report on Questions Relating to Food- A working document in support of the uniform interpretation of legislative standards and the laboratory quality standards prescribed under directive 93/99/EEC, January 2002  21st Conférence Générale des Poids et Mesures October 1999, Resolution 10 and 11.