It is our pleasure to announce that Dr. Peter Smith, Land Resource Science, University of Guelph will be coordinating Network Quality Assurance/ Quality Control initiatives.

In order to evaluate the quality of data generated by MITE-RN researchers, each participating laboratory is required to submit a Quality Assurance / Quality Control report outlining training requirements of analytical staff and graduate students, type of analytical measurements carried out, and quality control protocols used in the laboratory. They are also required to participate in periodic inter-laboratory performance studies. To date, MITE-RN researchers have participated in five evaluation exercises. These studies are conducted by the National Laboratory for Environmental Testing, of Environment Canada at the National Water Research Institute. Dr. Peter Smith, Land Resource Science, University of Guelph is coordinating the QA/QC aspects of collecting MITE-RN research data. These inter-laboratory performance studies provide MITE-RN researchers with an important tool for evaluating and improving data quality. By participating in ongoing performance assessments, the data being generated within the MITE-RN will remain accurate and reliable.

Dr. Peter Smith
Land Resources Science, University of Guelph
Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1
Tel.: 519-824-4120 X 3507
Fax.: 519-824-5730
Email: psmith@lrs.uoguelph.ca