JRC at Geel

The section was very fortunate to be able to make a special visit to the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC)-Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM) at Geel on the afternoon of 14 October.

JRC-IRMM is responsible for the maintenance and distribution of supplies of certified reference materials in support of EU legislation. It also produces reference materials for emerging measurement needs in, for example, clinical chemistry, GMO's microbiology and food contaminants, such as PCB's.

The visit saw the Centre's state-of-the-art sample preparation facilities, food safety section and its GMO laboratories amongst other highlights.


The tour was arranged by RSC member, and our host for the visit, Prof. Hendrik Emons who is Head of Unit for Reference Materials at IRMM. Prof. Emons (third from right) is pictured with members of the RSC visiting party above.

Prior to the visit members had lunch at the Brasserie Flore on the market square in Geel.