IFCC - Scientific Division (SD)

SD Executive Committee Meeting,  General Conference Brussels - October 2022

From right to left: 

Ian Young - ICHCLR Observer; Christa Cobbaert - Chair; Konstantinos Makris - Vice-Chair; R.D. Josephs - BIPM Observer; Michael Rottmann- Corporate Members Representative (until December 2022); Greg Miller - JCTLM Consultant; Garry John - Secretary; Liesbet Drepez - JRC Observer; Philippe Gillery - Chair (until December 2022); Paola Bramati - IFCC Office. 

SD Executive Committee (SD-EC) biographies

The Scientific Division (SD)

A Committee on Standards was established in 1966 "to instigate and promote theoretical and practical developments in the field of standards and standardisation in clinical chemistry - in its broadest sense." During its first decade, the main efforts of the Committee were directed toward (1) analytical nomenclature, (2) reference materials and methods, and (3) quality control. Its achievements during this period are illustrated by the list of publications on these topics. Following a Council decision in 1978, efforts have been made to extend its work to include more subjects of interest both to clinicians and clinical chemists and laboratorians. Accordingly, the name of the Committee was changed to the Scientific Committee and later to the Scientific Division.

The Division and its activities are managed by an Executive Committee. This Committee is responsible for (1) developing a mission statement, (2) developing strategy and tactics, (3) initiating and managing projects, and (4) generating and adhering to its Terms of Reference.

Mission Statement

The mission of the SD is to advance the science of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine and to apply it to the practice of Clinical Laboratory Science. 

SD Strategy

According to the Statutes of IFCC, the Federation exists to advance the science and practice of Clinical Chemistry and to further its application in the provision of health services and the practice of medicine. The goals to which the Scientific Division is committed are to:

• Identify research areas of relevance to Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine and assist the transfer of research results to the profession.
• Identify scientific and technological problems in current practice and provide solutions and guidelines on how to resolve them.
• Facilitate the development and transfer of technical innovations to clinical laboratory professionals and clinicians.
• Facilitate the development and implementation of diagnostic strategies.
• Establish standards for scientific and technical aspects of good laboratory practice.
• Facilitate the development of reference measurement processes and the production of reference materials
• Establish networks of reference laboratories
• Respond to scientific and technical needs of IFCC Member Societies, IFCC Corporate Members and external agencies.
• Participate actively in the scientific programmes of IFCC congresses and other scientific meetings.
• Ensure the quality of IFCC scientific documents.
• Organise Master Discussions

SD Projects

The SD initiates and manages projects with its own resources or through its Committees and Working Groups. Work is conducted in cooperation with other IFCC units and with relevant National and International Organisations. The SD ensures that each of its Committees and Working Groups are functioning under clear terms of reference together with an agreed schedule of activity. The SD will assist in the development of the project proposals, and will undertake an annual review of progress and review and approve any documents that result from the work.

SD Executive Committee (SD-EC)

Chairs of Scientific Division's Committees and Working Groups

Committees

Working Groups

SD Executive Committe's contacts