The MarLab, a model research laboratory for the design and implementation of a Quality Management System (QMS) based on the ISO 9001:2008 international standard, was inaugurated on December 9, 2013, at the Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology (IBIM) of the CNR of Palermo.

In the field of biomedical research, Quality assurance and the definition of basic principles for establishing “Good Research Practice” have become crucial in recent years, creating a need for “Quality” models which can translate those of industrial or service systems for the research community. The creation of the QMS for this laboratory was made possible by the Quality and Project Management OpenLab project (qPMO, coordinator Annamaria Kisslinger, IEOS-CNR, Naples ), funded within the FaReBio Quality project of the Ministry of Economics and Finance, CNR Mezzogiorno. The qPMO, involving researchers from 4 CNR Institutes (IEOS and IGB in Naples, IBPM in Rome, IBIM in Palermo) and advised by Antonella Lanati (of “Valore Qualità”), has been developed as an experimental research project which uses Quality and Project Management principles as engines and infrastructure in the planning and carrying out of its operations.

A “Quality Management Manual,” along with procedures and guidelines for the management of the MarLab, were drawn up by A. Bongiovanni, M. Di Carlo, L. Riccobono and L. Caruana (IBIM) and coordinated by A. Lanati of “Valore Qualità”.

The MarLab, created for the housing, development, and handling of small marine organisms, is operated in accordance with the processes and procedures of the QMS; it aims to streamline and improve the laboratory’s work processes, enhancing the capacities and skills of those working there, to ensure that the recipients of its products and activities are satisfied.

After cutting the ribbon, IBIM Director Dr. Giovanni Viegi signed the documents for the issuance of the QMS and the appointment of Laboratory Directors, Quality and Technical Managers.

The conveyance of Quality Certification by a certifying body recognized by the Italian accreditation agency (Accredia) is expected by June 2014.