European Commission » Joint Research Centre » IES »: AQUILA Project » Role and tasks of National Reference Laboratories
Role and tasks of National Reference Laboratories
Verifying and supporting the correct implementation of air quality directives, by:
- Implementing a quality system in the laboratory
- Approving measurement systems (instruments, laboratories, networks)
- Ensuring the traceability of the measurements at national level, by providing/certifying reference materials to networks
- Organizing intercomparisons/round robin tests at national level
- Participating in EC QA/QC programmes (see official AQUILA positionN 37 on organisation of intercomparison exercises) and support the organisation of such programmes (see SOP for sampling for the EC/OC intercomparison)
- Exchanging information through the organisation of training sessions, workshops, conferences and guidance documents (example: Guide to the Demonstration of Equivalence of Ambient Air Monitoring Methods)
An official document on AQUILA's role and the tasks of a NRL has been prepared and approved by DG ENV's "Air Quality Committee" (download the document 'roles & requirements').
The mission of the JRC is to provide customer-driven scientific and technical support for the conception, development, implementation and monitoring of EU policies. As a service of the European Commission, the JRC functions as a reference centre of science and technology for the Union. Close to the policy-making process, it serves the common interest of the Member States, while being independent of special interests, whether private or national.