15th Coordination Meeting of the IAEA's Network of Analytical Laboratories for the Measurement of Environmental Radioactivity (ALMERA)

ALMERA (Analytical Laboratories for the Measurement of Environmental Radioactivity) is a worldwide network of analytical laboratories, established by the IAEA. Through methodological and data quality support received from the IAEA and the collaborative development and validation of analytical methods, ALMERA member laboratories are able to provide internationally acceptable radioanalytical data in normal situations as well as in case of accidental or intentional releases of radioactivity, as requested by their nominating authorities. The ALMERA Network holds annual coordination meetings to discuss the implementation of planned activities and to define future activities of the Network.

In this context, ALMERA laboratories are invited to nominate participants in the 15th Coordination Meeting of the IAEA's Network of Analytical Laboratories for the Measurement of Environmental Radioactivity (ALMERA), to be held from 8 to 10 October 2018 in Amman, Jordan.

The objectives of the coordination meeting are to:

• Present and discuss ALMERA proficiency test results and related proposals;
• Discuss the current status and plans for recommended analytical procedures developed within the ALMERA network;
• Discuss priorities for training courses and workshops;
• Discuss means for communication and data sharing and exchange among ALMERA laboratories;
• Discuss initiatives for regional cooperation and collaboration with other networks;
• Identify work plans and proposals for the ALMERA regional groups and task groups; and
• Review and update the general ALMERA work plan.

The meeting will provide an opportunity to undertake, at the senior technical level, a thorough review of the plan for ALMERA future activities. The meeting will also discuss how to further increase the role of regional coordination centres in mobilizing the network’s experience, encouraging exchange of expertise, and supporting capacity building at regional level.

The meeting will therefore consist of a plenary session and working sessions for regional groups and for task groups. The plenary session will include presentations by ALMERA members on developments in radioanalytical methods, quality systems and environmental radioactivity monitoring and assessment projects in their laboratories and presentations by IAEA specialists in relevant areas. The meeting agenda will be circulated in due course.

The meeting is open to representatives from ALMERA network member laboratories from IAEA Member States. Nominations for participation (using Form A) should be submitted through InTouch+  or using the attached Participation Form (Form A). Completed requests should be endorsed by the competent national authority (e.g. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Permanent Mission to the IAEA, or National Atomic Energy Authority) and should be received by the IAEA not later than 27 July 2018. Nominations received after this date or which have not been routed through the established official channels cannot be considered.

No registration fee is charged to participants. The IAEA is generally not in a position to bear the travel and other costs of participants in the Technical Meeting. The IAEA has, however, limited funds at its disposal to help meet the cost of attendance of certain participants. Upon specific request, such assistance may be offered to normally one participant per country, provided that, in the IAEA’s view, the participant will make an important contribution to the Technical Meeting. The application for financial support should be made at the time of designating the participant(s). Governments should ensure that applications for grants are submitted by 27 July 2018 through InTouch+  or using a signed Grant Application Form (Form C). Approved grants will be issued in the form of a lump sum payment that usually covers only part of the cost of attendance.

It should be noted that compensation is not payable by the IAEA for any damage to or loss of personal property. The IAEA also does not provide health insurance coverage for participants in meetings, workshops or training courses or for consultants. Arrangements for private insurance coverage on an individual basis should therefore be made. The IAEA will, however, provide insurance coverage for accidents and illnesses that clearly result from any work performed for the IAEA.

Local arrangements

The meeting venue shall be:

Crown Plaza Amman Hotel
K. Faysal Ben Abdul Aziz St.
Amman, Jordan
Tel.:  [06] 551 0001
Website

A group reservation has been made for the participants in this hotel. Detailed information on local transportation to/from the meeting venue, and other organisational details, will be sent to all designated participants by the host in advance of the event.

Visas

Participants who require a visa to enter Jordan should submit the necessary application to the nearest diplomatic or consular representative of Jordan well in advance of entry. An official letter of invitation will be issued to all participants by the IAEA Scientific Secretary.