The four-day training took place from 10 to 13 August in Tashkent to strengthen national capacities in chemical analysis, pesticide residue testing and environmental monitoring.

The training included the third and fourth modules of a four-part programme designed to enhance the technical expertise of NCEM specialists and support the laboratory’s progress towards international accreditation. Building on the first phase delivered in June 2026, the programme focused on analytical method validation in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 requirements, as well as chemical safety and hazard management in laboratory settings.

The first module of this phase, which was held on 10-11 August, provided practical instruction on method validation principles and key performance characteristics, including selectivity, calibration, recovery, precision, and limits of detection and quantification. Participants also received specialized guidance on validation approaches for the LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS analytical systems being procured through the project. As part of the training, participants developed a draft validation plan for a multi-residue pesticide analysis method and completed a data evaluation exercise.

The second module, scheduled for 12-13 August, focused on chemical safety and hazard management in analytical laboratories. Topics included chemical hazard identification, risk assessment, safe storage and handling practices, engineering controls, personal protective equipment, emergency preparedness and hazardous waste management. The training also included a practical chemical safety audit aimed at strengthening compliance with occupational health, safety and environmental requirements. Expected outputs included a workplace risk assessment, a hazardous waste management plan and a draft standard operating procedure on chemical safety.

“Strong laboratories are built on confidence in every result they produce, and that confidence begins with well-validated analytical methods”, said Mohammad Nazem Shirazi, International Laboratory Specialist from FAO. “Through this training, NCEM specialists are gaining the practical skills to independently validate analytical methods, implement robust quality control procedures, and produce reliable, internationally recognized results for pesticide residues in environmental samples – capabilities that are essential for evidence-based environmental monitoring, regulatory decision-making, and the sound management of hazardous chemicals in Uzbekistan”.

The European Union-funded FAO project, Technical Assistance for the Sound Management of Hazardous Chemicals, is a EUR 3.9 million initiative that supports Uzbekistan in reducing environmental degradation through improved pesticide management, strengthened chemical governance, and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices.