- Contributes to EC priorities:
JRC's selection of RMs are tailored to meet the current and future needs of EU policy. Reliable and comparable measurement results are key to reduce health-care costs, improve clinical management and lower the risk of medical error. Efficient, resilient and safer food production systems rely on verification through monitoring and measurements. The reduction of pollutants in the environment to levels no longer considered harmful to humans and nature requires consistent monitoring are based on reliable measurement results. The competitiveness of the EU economy and the smooth functioning of international trade also depend on reliable measurements. State-of-the-art RMs can also play a crucial role in emerging EU focus areas such as biotechnology and preparedness and response to health crises like pandemics or widespread food products contaminations.
At the heart of reliable measurements are RMs. They provide a benchmark for analytical laboratories around the world to deliver accurate results. Testing laboratories use CRMs to calibrate their measuring instruments. Additionally, RMs are also used as quality control assurance tools, proving that obtained measurement results are correct, helping to eliminate the need to duplicate or dispute testing data.
The JRC is one of the major developers and producers of reference materials in the world. It currently provides over 760 reference materials under the BCR, IRMM, EURM and ERM brands, and distributes around 20,000 units per year to testing laboratories worldwide. The JRC has RM production facilities unique in the world, including specialised laboratories and a pilot plant for material processing.
JRC’s reference materials can be ordered directly from the JRC, Geel or from one of its authorised distributors.
Check the Certified Reference Materials Catalogue for the full catalogue of reference materials, ordering, user support, application noticed and frequently asked questions.
Good health care requires reliable measurements of health status and disease markers. The results of such In-Vitro diagnostics measurements need to be comparable between different laboratories, and over time.
The JRC provides state-of-the-art certified reference materials as quality assurance and quality control tools for the implementation of EU environmental policies.
The certified reference materials distributed by the JRC give measurement laboratories a means to validate analytical methods, to assess the quality of the measurement results and to demonstrate their traceability to stated references such as the SI.
For the implementation of the European legislation that regulates the authorisation and the labelling of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), the JRC develops, produces and distributes certified reference materials.
Reference materials for materials science underpin many industrial processes and give companies as well as regulators the confidence in these measurements that strengthen assessments of legal as well as company and customer-specific specifications.
Verification and detection in safeguarding nuclear material, conformity of information on materials and processes in nuclear forensics, as well as response in nuclear security are based on reliable measurement results with appropriate quality control.
JRC research on nanotechnology contributes to the reduction of uncertainties about the potential impact of nanomaterials on health and the environment and supports the development of a sound regulatory framework by providing informed science-based.
Reliable measurements of α, β and γ radiation are of great importance for environmental monitoring, medical treatment and nuclear safeguards.
Reference materials for fuel
Fuel quality is an important energy issue for industry as well as for citizens. When using fuels in car engines or domestic heating, systems consumers need to be sure that the fuel does not cause any malfunction or damage to their equipment. Similarly, consumers are increasingly aware also of the environmental impact of their fuel consumption. The JRC provides certified reference materials for fuel analysis for a wide range of parameters relevant for the quality and environmental impact of fuels, be it conventional fossil fuels or biofuels.
Reference materials development
EU policy needs drive the development of reference materials at the JRC.
Therefore, JRC has to provide certified reference materials which are crucial as anchor points for the calibration of measurements in complex natural and man-made systems and for the benchmarking of and within control and reference laboratories. New reference material developments will be focused on scientifically cutting-edge materials with new measurand/matrix combinations and material properties as close as feasible to the real-world samples to be controlled for EU legislation.
The main areas cover:
- biotechnologies and molecular biosciences
- health
- environment and energy
- advanced engineered materials including nanotechnology
- safe and high-quality food
- nuclear safeguards
The reference function of the JRC implies also the need to ensure the provision of crucial reference materials on a long-term scale.
JRC has established a modern quality management system. Since 2004 the Unit is accredited according to ISO 17034 (which replaced ISO Guide 34 in 2016) and ISO/IEC 17025.
Most of the reference material projects are performed in collaboration with various external institutions and JRC invites competent parties to express their related interests.
Reference materials production hall (JRC, Geel, Belgium)
