The aim of the network is to overcome the fragmentation currently found both in Europe and globally by pulling together research circles, industry and small and medium sized businesses that work with quality analyses.
Quality criteria for new rapid methods
The industry needs new and faster analysis methods and these have a significant potential for gains in terms of cost-effectiveness. Nofima Mat is leading this area of activity in MoniQA. Work has started on devising quality criteria that will be applied to all new rapid methods. The aim is to ensure that the methods work well enough, that they measure what they are intended to, that they have the required sensitivity, that they are specific enough and that they are reproducible. Coordination will include standardisation bodies, both nationally and internationally.
Virtual laboratory
To achieve the required integration, a virtual laboratory will be built up, for joint research and trials. The researchers will integrate their activities and ensure common access to facilities, technological platforms, software, analysis tools, equipment, knowledge and personnel. Joint strategies and an Internet based database for the industry will also be developed in this virtual laboratory. This database will provide an overview of what methods exist and how they can be used.
