15-16 October 2024

EDQM premises, 7 allée Kastner, Strasbourg, France

Microbiological analysis using conventional methods for the detection of micro-organisms mostly relies on culture methods which, though easy to use, reliable and well established, are time consuming. In recent years, several advances have been made with the development of new technologies and techniques. Rapid microbiological methods (RMMs) are an expanding area of microbiology and are both innovative and diverse in nature. These new technologies offer many advantages, including considerable time-savings and increased accuracy and precision when compared with conventional methods.

While the European Pharmacopoeia Commission has made significant efforts to facilitate the use of RMMs with the publication of general chapter 5.1.6. Alternative methods for control of microbiological quality, their use in the quality control of pharmaceutical products is still limited. Further efforts are therefore needed to support and accelerate the implementation of alternative RMMs.

This workshop will explore the feasibility of establishing a centralised certification system for the evaluation and validation of RMMs. Early discussions and exchanges have already taken place to investigate the different possible approaches to reviewing and validating these new technologies and this event will allow further examination of the concept and provide stakeholders with an opportunity to give input on their needs for such a system.

• Download the preliminary programme

If you wish to give a presentation or talk during the workshop, please submit the completed Speaker Request Form to the email address: [email protected], using the subject title ‘RMM Workshop Speaker Request’. Please provide as much information as possible so we can process your request. Please note that proposals should relate to the workshop's focus areas (e.g. brief presentation on RMM equipment or from RMM users; lessons learned on interactions between equipment suppliers, users and competent authorities).

This workshop is of particular interest to suppliers of rapid microbiological method (RMM) equipment, users and future users of such equipment. Other stakeholders such as regulators are also welcome.

Register here

The workshop is an in-person only event (no online option) and will be conducted entirely in English.

The registration fee is as follows:

• 150 Euros per delegate for the workshop event only.
• 200 Euros per delegate for the workshop AND social event (evening meal) on Tuesday, 15 October.  

This workshop fee includes all the documentation, lunches and refreshments. It does not include accommodation and travel expenses. Registration is optional but required to attend the networking social event which will be organised in a city centre restaurant in the company of the workshop speakers and EDQM staff.