Quality Assurance in Analytical Chemistry

Elizabeth Prichard obtained a first degree in Chemistry fromthe University lege of Wales, Aberystwyth, where she went on toobtain her doctorate studying infrared spectroscopy. After a CivilService Research Fellowship, she moved into academia, initially atBedford College and then Royal Holloway and B Bedford New College,University of London before moving to the University of Warwick asa Senior Research Fellow. While at London University, she continuedher research in spectroscopy, as well as some work in biophysicalchemistry. At the University of Warwick, she researched the releaseprofiles of steroids from implanted contraceptive devices. Duringher time at London University, Elizabeth spent sabbatical periodsat the Division of Materials Application NPL, the Biophysics andBiochemistry Department, Wellcome research Foundation, Beckenhamand then as Associate Professor sponsored by the British Council atthe University of Gezira and at the University of Khartoum, Sudan.
Vicki Barwick obtained a first degree in Chemistry fromthe University of Nottingham. She then joined the Laboratory of theGovernment Chemist (which became LGC in 1996) as an analyst in theConsumer Safety Group. Vicki was involved with a number of projectsto assess the safety of consumer products, including developingtest methods for the identification of colorants in cosmetics andthe quantitation of phthalate plasticizers in child-care items.
After five years as an analyst, Vicki moved within LGC to workon the DTI-funded Valid Analytical Measurement (VAM) programme. Inthis role, responsible for providing advice and developing guidanceon methods validation, measurement uncertainty and statistics. Oneof her key project involved the chemical test methods. During thistime, Vicki also became involved with the development and deliveryof training courses on topics such as method validation,measurement uncertainty, quality systems and statistics foranalytical chemists.