Press Releases
International conference launched to mark centenary of Government Laboratory (with photo)
In celebration of its 100th anniversary, the Government Laboratory today
(December 2) launched a four-day international conference bringing together
distinguished experts in metrology, quality assurance, analytical chemistry
and forensic science from around the world to share their innovative ideas,
knowledge and latest scientific developments.
Scientific sessions and workshops will be held for participants to discuss
international collaborative efforts to strengthen and raise scientific
standards, challenges faced by scientists worldwide and innovations to
prepare for the future.
Officiating at the opening ceremony of the conference, the Secretary for
Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, said the conference provides an excellent
platform for local and overseas scientists and experts to share their
experience on the latest developments and challenges in the various fields
of laboratory testing.
Dr Ko noted that the Laboratory has made many achievements over the past
century, developing itself from an organisation under the then Medical and
Health Department with an initial establishment of one staff member to
today's independent department with an establishment of over 450 people.
"The Laboratory provides a very wide range of analytical, advisory and
forensic services to various government departments, enabling them to meet
their responsibilities for law and order, public health and safety,
environmental protection and consumer protection and implementation of
government policies.
"A 24-hour emergency response service and round-the-clock urgent laboratory
examination is provided to respond to emergency incidents and urgent
investigations," he said.
Last year, the Laboratory conducted over 670 000 tests in the fields of food
safety, environmental monitoring, pharmaceuticals, Chinese medicine,
consumer goods and children's products.
"Quite a significant part of this was of an urgent nature, enabling
concerned departments and bureaux to respond swiftly to incidents of public
concern, like food incidents," Dr Ko added.
The Laboratory also undertakes all forensic examinations related to law
enforcement, handling about 18 000 cases per year.
On the international stage, the Laboratory has actively organised
comparisons and knowledge sharing activities, such as symposiums and
conferences, for international, regional and local organisations in recent
years in a number of fields such as metrology in chemistry, food safety,
pharmaceutical testing and consumer protection.
It also renders its support to the testing and certification sectors through
the provision of proficiency testing programmes and developing certified
reference materials for the local testing laboratories.
"The high level of competency of the Laboratory is well-recognised
worldwide. I am confident that it will scale new heights in providing our
community with quality analytical, forensic and advisory services as well as
in advancing measurement science and standards to progressively gain
recognition internationally and regionally as an institute providing
world-class scientific services," Dr Ko said.
Ends/Monday, December 2, 2013
Issued at HKT 17:04
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Photo