Event Review: MoniQA FST on "Reference materials and method validation in food safety assurance" and "Communication Training"

The combined MoniQA FST on "Reference materials and method validation in food safety assurance" and "Communication Training" took place in Vienna from June 20th to 24th 2011 at the BOKU University of Life Sciences and Natural Resources.
The event brought together 30 participants from eight countries.

Its aim was to describe the problems and challenges involved in the international comparability and validity of analytical results in the assurance of food safety and quality. On the basis of practical examples the focus was on current hot topics, such as mycotoxins, food allergens, pathogenic micro-organisms, GMOs, etc., the analytical possibilities (including rapid methods), and the corresponding regulations. Additionally, an overview of international standardization bodies and examples of international validation studies was given.

The MoniQA communication training enables the participants to improve their presentation skills and increase their understanding of the relationship between science and the media which should give them new tools for their future carrer an international environment.

Some comments of participants from the training:

•             I loved it, thank you!

•             A very interesting workshop with lots of useful information!

•             It definitely increased my knowledge about the topic!

•             Good idea combination with Communication training