Mark Sykes, Head of Science at FAPAS, Principal Scientist at Fera, and member of both the Proficiency Testing Committee and the UK Royal Society of Chemistry, as well as the UK Government Proficiency Testing Working Group, was invited to China. The tour was organised and accompanied by Ms. Shen and Mr. Jin, leaders from Shanghai.
Beijing
Invited by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Mark delivered an outstanding presentation titled "Statistical Analysis and Determination Techniques of Proficiency Testing Results" at the "International Symposium on Proficiency Testing for Agricultural Product Quality and Safety Detection," hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs' Institute of Environmental Protection and Monitoring. He engaged in extensive discussions with domestic and international experts.
Yunnan
At the invitation of the Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences' Institute of Quality Standards and Testing Technology, Mark led an international proficiency testing technical exchange meeting. He provided a comprehensive introduction to Fapas global vision, the development and operation of proficiency testing plans, sample preparation, and quality assurance. Over 40 scientific staff and graduate students actively participated, engaging in in-depth discussions on topics such as international proficiency testing and national standards, creating a lively and dynamic atmosphere.
The enthusiastic discussions and exchanges continued during the lab tour.
Shanghai
Invited by the Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Mark gave a detailed introduction to Fapas organisational structure, the century-long history of Fera, and its progressive development. He discussed the formulation of new plans and the development of new projects, professionally addressing the concerns of the experts and scientists.
The final stop was a visit to the Shanghai Institute of Quality Inspection and Technical Research. Mark engaged in in-depth discussions with experts and technical personnel regarding issues encountered in domestic and international proficiency testing over the years. There was a strong sense of anticipation for future collaborations in Proficiency Testing (PT) and Certified Reference Materials (CRM).
Spanning two weeks and covering North, South, and East China, this tour, thanks to the warm welcome and excellent arrangements, not only enhanced mutual understanding but also bolstered confidence in showcasing each party's capabilities on the international stage.