Technical Meeting on the Coordination of the ALMERA Network
Ankara, Turkey
6-9 November 2012
Conference ID:
42807
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BACKGROUND
ALMERA (Analytical Laboratories for the Measurement of Environmental Radioactivity) is a world-wide network of analytical laboratories, established by the IAEA. Through methodological and data quality support received from the IAEA and collaborative method development and validation, ALMERA member laboratories are able to provide internationally acceptable radioanalytical data in normal situations as well as in case of accidental or intentional releases of radioactivity, as requested by their nominating authorities.
The ALMERA network holds annual coordination meetings to discuss the implementation of planned activities and to define future activities of the network.
Within this context, ALMERA laboratories representatives are invited to attend the 9th Coordination meeting of the ALMERA network, to be held from 6 to 9 November 2012 in Ankara, Turkey.
OBJECTIVES OF THE MEETING
The objective of the meeting is to review ALMERA activities and to define a future work plan for developing ALMERA activities in the field of environmental radioecological assessment, recommended radioanalytical methods, reference materials and proficiency testing. The meeting also aims to address the possible need to revise the methodology for proficiency tests and discuss priorities for analytical method development and support through training and workshops.
The specific objectives of the Meeting are:
• To present and discuss ALMERA proficiency test results and related proposals
• To present the recommended analytical procedures developed within the ALMERA network
• To review and update workplan
• To discuss the final draft of terms of reference of the ALMERA network
• To discuss means for communication and data sharing and exchange among ALMERA laboratories in case of emergency situation,
• To identify work plans and proposals of the ALMERA regional groups and task groups
SCOPE AND FORMAT OF THE MEETING
The Meeting will provide an opportunity to undertake, at the senior technical level, a thorough review of the ALMERA future activities plan. The Meeting will also discuss how to increase the role of regional coordination centers in mobilizing the network experience and encouraging exchange of expertise and supporting capacity building at regional level.
The Meeting will consist of a Plenary Session and Working Sessions for Regional Groups and for Task Groups. The Plenary Session will include presentations by ALMERA members and by national experts nominated by the host. The Proposals and summaries of each Regional Working Group will be presented at the Plenary Session on 9 November 2012.
The draft meeting agenda is attached.
PARTICIPATION
All ALMERA representatives wishing to attend the Meeting should be nominated by their Government (Ministry of Foreign Affairs or National Atomic Energy Authority). Nomination for participation (Form A) should be received by the IAEA not later than 1 October 2012.
The final list of participants will be approved by 3 October 2012 and the confirmation of acceptance will be sent to the participants by the end of that week.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Please be informed that the Meeting attendance is free of charge to the ALMERA members. However, members participation is at no cost to the IAEA (accommodation, travel costs and all the expenses shall be covered by participants’ institutes), with the exception of a limited number of grants, which will be made available to applicants from developing Member States.
The grant application (Form C) should be received by the IAEA no later than 1 October 2012. No grant application will be considered after this date.
LOCAL ARRANGEMENTS
It is the responsibility of all participants to make their own travel arrangements to/from Turkey. Detailed information on accommodation, local transport to/from the meeting venue, and other organisational details, will be sent to all designated participants by the host.
VISA
Designated participants who require a visa to enter Turkey should submit the necessary application to the nearest diplomatic or consular representative of Turkey well in advance of entry. An official letter of invitation will be issued to all designated participants by the IAEA Meeting Secretary.
MEETING SCIENTIFIC SECRETARY
Ms I. Osvath
Radiometrics Laboratory
IAEA Environment Laboratories, Monaco
Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications
Telephone: +377 9797 7223
Fax: +377 9797 7273
Email: i.osvath@iaea.org
MEETING SECRETARY
Ms J. Le Normand
Radiometrics Laboratory
IAEA Environment Laboratories, Monaco
Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications
Telephone: +377 9797 7215
Fax: +377 9797 7273
Email: j.le-normand@iaea.org
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