VIRM - European Virtual Institute on Reference Materials


Mission of VIRM

The Virtual Institute for Reference Materials (VIRM) aims to be THE meeting place for the Reference Materials community worldwide. It links up experts in all fields, including R+D organisations, public and private laboratories, industry and (C)RM producers and users.

The main objective is to facilitate dissemination of information and advice, know-how and help on Reference Materials and related fields, such as Proficiency Testing (PT) schemes. VIRM provides an indispensable tool in Quality Control for analytical measurements. In addition, it is active as research broker, training provider and harmonisation centre on QA/QC topics.

The innovative character of VIRM consists in its virtual structure, combining a minimal logistic infrastructure with the maximal effectiveness of a world-wide ICT network.

VIRM is a QA/QC link towards all countries worldwide.


Who for?

Correct measurements are essential to maintain and control quality of products and processes in research, manufacturing and trade. They reassure to fulfil national regulations and thus support industry in developing a sustainable economic growth. The knowledge of RMs world is a key issue for Quality Control.

VIRM extends to everybody who aims maintaining a high level quality of work.


VIRM Services

VIRM offers a broad range of useful tools in the field of Reference Materials and Quality Control. Subscribers have unlimited access to the VIRM website and services.

• Website (www.virm.net)
  
  The website of the Virtual Institute is the key link between all the VIRM subscribers. It offers extensive search facilities:
  
  to search (Certified) Reference Materials in the database on-line. The on-line Reference Materials database contains over 4,400 (C)RMs with around 28,000 records, and is growing daily.
  
  to search projects, persons, library, etc related with Reference Materials and related fields;
  
  to link to producers of RMs and PT providers;
  
  to search into library of position papers and guidelines related to Reference Materials, QA/QC, routine analysis etc., many in pdf;
  
  to update with the announce of events (training, conferences, workshops) related with Reference Materials and related fields;
  
  it disseminates your RMs news;
  
  glossary;
  
  end-user help and advice (through theTechnical Helpdesk).
  
  
  
• Newsletter:
  
  Get regularly updated on news from the RM community. The VIRM Newsletter has the latest information on (C)RMs, products, conferences, etc., and is distributed by e-mail.
  
  
• Helpdesk:
  
  This is the only physical entity of the Virtual Institute. The staff takes care of maintenance and continuous updating of the website. They are also available for questions on technical aspects, backed up by a network of specialists (info@virm.net).
  
  
• Links:
  
  VIRM connects all stakeholders of the RM community. On the website you find links to RM producers and users, to international organisations: to You.