The MarLab laboratory of the IBIM in Palermo, the first and only CNR laboratory to obtain Quality Certification for: “Ricerca e divulgazione scientifica, tramite attività formative, sviluppo di campagne, promozione progetti nel campo della biologia molecolare” (IAF 34, 38), had its inspection visit by Italcert, the National Certification Body, on 28 April 2015. The MarLab is managed by Dr Marta Di Carlo and Dr Maria Di Bernardo, and draws on the expertise of Dr Antonella Bongiovanni, the laboratory’s Quality Manager, Dr Letizia Anello, Dr Loredano Riccobono and Dr Luca Caruana. The activity of the laboratory is twofold: on the one hand, the housing, development and handling of small marine organisms used as models for the screening of bioactive molecules and, on the other, activities related to the dissemination of scientific knowledge. The internal audit preparatory to the certification was conducted by Annamaria Kisslinger (IEOS, CNR) and Giovanna L. Liguori (IGB, CNR) of the qPMO network. The audit by Italcert, to confirm the certification after the first year of operation, focused on evaluating the working group’s application of Quality methods to research and dissemination practices. The MarLab employs Help4lab software, developed specifically to facilitate the scientific and organizational management of the laboratory in question. The inspection was successful, and the MarLab’s Quality certification according to ISO 9001:2008 was reconfirmed.

The Quality Manual of the MarLab is a valid model for all laboratories interested in certifying their own research or improving their management. Help4lab can provide valuable support as, in addition to the documentation of specific research activities and procedures used in the laboratory, it also contains a section dedicated to the management of materials, suppliers, and instrumentation.