Quality approach and certification of a public research laboratory

The missions of public-sector research and service organizations (joint research units, research federations, technology platforms, etc.) are defined in line with the policies of their supervisory authorities. Evaluation committees are provided with factual data illustrating how these structures operate.

Their main missions are :

• carry out all research of interest to the advancement of science and the country's economic, social and cultural progress;

• contribute to the application and valorization of research results;

• contribute to training in and through research.

Most public research is carried out in response to calls for proposals. It is important to prioritize and assess the relevance of the calls for projects to which research staff respond. Project funders may be public or private, and the funds allocated are managed by one of the laboratory's supervisory bodies. Ultimately, researchers are required to demonstrate the value of their scientific work, justify the expenses incurred and may be required to justify the use of equipment acquired as part of a project. In order to optimize success factors, more and more laboratories and technology platforms are choosing to implement a quality management system (QMS) leading to certification, accreditation or even a label.

The standard NF EN ISO 9001 serves as a benchmark for certification, helping to structure and improve laboratory organization. This standard is internationally recognized.

Technology platforms wishing to establish their skills as calibration and testing laboratories choose NF EN ISO/CEI 17025 accreditation. In France, this accreditation is issued by the French Accreditation Committee (website: COFRAC).

It is important to note that these standards are not mandatory for research laboratories. The choice is therefore a matter for management, who must ensure that staff buy-in is forthcoming.

On the other hand, activities defined by the French Public Health Code are subject to harmonized European standards. Accreditation is mandatory for :

• medical biology laboratories (LBM);

• French Blood Establishment (EFS) structures;

• structures performing biological activities for medically assisted procreation: NF EN ISO 15189 for medical biology laboratories (LBM) and NF EN ISO 22870...