Join our new interactive course on reference materials!

Nov. 15, 2022

Source: European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC)

The European Commission’s Joint research Centre launches a free interactive course on reference materials

The Joint Research Centre is one of the leading global producers of reference materials in the fields of food and feed analysis, environmental analysis, engineering and health applications.

Quality of measurements is key in our daily life. Reference materials ensure useful, reliable and comparable results from different methods and laboratories. Our new online training sessions will teach you how to use reference materials and how to estimate measurement uncertainties. In this course, you will learn the basics why measurement uncertainties are important and how you can estimate them. You will learn the role and importance of reference materials and how you can best select and use them. Our interactive course will be complemented by practical exercises where you can apply and test your newly acquired knowledge.

You will be able to follow 8 modules:

Estimation of measurement uncertainty – This module explains what measurements uncertainty is and why is needed. You will learn how to estimate measurements uncertainty and will be get more details on the quantification procedure and whether it is a combination of uncertainty sources. At the end we show two options: the so-called bottom-up approach and the so-called top-down approach (use of validation data).
Use of CRMs to prove laboratory and method performance – This module provides the tools to understand how to make use of the added value of certified reference materials (CRMs) to prove laboratory and/or method performance.
Making the best use of RMs –This module presents how to get the best use out of reference materials and you will learn what sources of information are available.
Use of CRMs in method validation - In this module, will be explained how to validate a new method and how to estimate the measurement uncertainty of its results.
Commutability of reference materials – After being acquainted with the validation of a new method and how to estimate the uncertainty of its measurements, in this module focus will be on the commutability of reference materials.
Selection of reference materials – In this module will be presented all the steps to consider when selecting a reference material.
Traceability of measurement results - In this module, will be explained the metrological traceability and its role for the comparability of measurement results. Furthermore will be described how certified reference materials or CRMs can be used to help you to make your results traceable.
The wrap-up - This last module provides an example of how this course can guide you through the processes in your laboratory practice.

This course is intended for practitioners working in laboratories that need to apply reference materials for statistical quality control, method validation and calibration and who need to assess measurement uncertainties on customer’s demand or as requirement of the ISO/IEC 17025 standard. It can also be useful for ISO/IEC 17025 auditors who need to assess the estimation of measurement uncertainties and the correct application of certified reference materials.

Join freely the course wherever you are, whenever you want, and whatever device you want to use!

Enjoy the journey in the exciting world of measurement science!