GMO Testing: Statistical Aspects and Implementation of the Performance-Based Approach

Aim of the workshop:

The workshop would be aimed particularly at labs involved in GMO testing, either accredited or seeking accreditation, or labs outside of the ISTA circuit that would like to gain a better understanding of the ISTA approach.

 

Workshop content:

• Testing plan design
• Reporting of results
• Performance data evaluation
• Method validation / verification

Workshop Organiser

ISTA Secretariat

Andreea-Nicoleta Militaru Email: andreea.militaru@ista.ch

Local Organiser

CREA DC sede di Tavazzano

Elena Perri E-Mail: elena.perri@crea.gov.it                                                                                                                             Phone: +39 037 176 19 19 Enrico Noli E-Mail: enrico.noli@unibo.it

Lecturers: 

Lecturers are from the GMO Technical Committee and from CREA DC, Tavazzano

Workshop Programme:  

Day 1 - Friday 2 June 2023:

• Introduction on GMO/Specified Trait testing:

  Objectives, approaches, technologies, and targets

• Statistical approaches to GMO testing

  Illustration of Seedcalc tools and their application to real cases:

  . Maximum group size determination

  . Test plan design (both individual to group/bulk testing)

  . Reporting of results (estimates and inferences)

  Hands-on activity with Seedcalc

• Digital PCR in GMO testing: theory and practice

• Statistical aspects in Digital PCR

Day 2 - Saturday 3 June 2023:

• Validation and verification of methods for GMO testing

  Practical examples of implementation in the laboratory:

  . bioassays

  . protein-based tests

  . PCR-based tests
• Performance Data Evaluation – Illustration of protocols proposed in the Handbook and of revised ISTA documents for laboratory accreditation
• Flow chart for addition of new methods and modification of existing ones. Rationale and practical examples
• Standardised Terms for method description in Scope of Accreditation and reporting on Certificates

Participants are invited to bring their own laptop in order to practice with the statistical tools illustrated.

 

Participation Fee: 

ISTA Members	500 EUR
ISTA Non-Members	750 EUR

The participation fee includes all literature and supporting material for the workshop, lunches and coffee breaks, workshop dinner and transfer between the workshop venue and hotels (except airport transfer). Since the workshop follows the ISTA meeting in Verona it is strongly encouraged the participation of people involved in the ISTA meeting. For those people a transport from Verona to the Venue can be organized by the Local organizer.
The fee does not include accommodation nor meals other than those specified.

The number of participants is a minimum of 10 and restricted to a maximum of 15 participants. 

If you would like to attend the workshop please fill in the registration form. In case you select payment by invoice the invoice will be sent to you, which has to be paid before the participation confirmation will be generated. 
 

Registration and payment deadline is 30 April 2023

Please note:  
For cancellations made before 30 April 2023 registration fees are refundable less the 50 EUR administration fee.   
For cancellations made after 30 April 2023 registration fees are non-refundable. 
 

Travel & Visa Information: 

You may need a VISA and a Letter of Invitation for entry into Italy. For more information: https://www.esteri.it/en/servizi-consolari-e-visti/ingressosoggiornoinitalia/

If you require an invitation letter, or for any additional information, please contact: 

 

Andreea-Nicoleta Militaru
Email: andreea.militaru@ista.ch

Invitation Letter will be issued by ISTA Secretariat only after payment of the Registration Fee.

 

Recommended Accomodation:

Albergo Anelli

Viale Vignati, 7
26900 Lodi
0371/421354

www.albergoanelli.com

email address: info@albergoanelli.com

Note: when booking the room add in the email subject the following sentence: “ISTA GMO Testing Workshop”.

Prices for accomodation:

Single room/night: 85 EUR
Double room/night: 95 EUR

Guests will be responsible for payment of their own room, taxes and incidentals.

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Participants eligible to apply for support to attend the workshop under the Young@ISTA programme should view the funding criteria and download the application form here: Young@ISTA - International Seed Testing Association

Applications for funding close on 30 March 2023