CNIC obtains ISO 9001 certification in its 11 technical units

CNIC has obtained ISO 9001 certification in its 11 technical units, a remarkable milestone that reinforces its commitment to the quality and excellence of the services it provides. This achievement highlights the CNIC’s commitment to the quality in the management and provision of scientific and technological services, consolidating itself as both a national and international reference.

The 11 Technical Units of the CNIC - Genomics, Proteomics, Advanced Imaging, Bioinformatics, Flow Cytometry, Transgenesis, Pluripotent Cells, Viral Vectors, Microscopy, Clinical Trials Unit and Comparative Medicine – have obtained this certification, which guarantees that the operations and services offered meet international quality standards. This recognition guarantees the reliability of its results and facilitates collaboration with external institutions, which is key for its mission in leading cardiovascular research.

Furthermore, this level of integral certification positions the CNIC as a pioneer in quality management in the scientific field.

“The ISO 9001 certification is especially valuable in a context where not all research centers have these certifications, which places the CNIC in a competitive position to attract external financing and research calls”, assures Beatriz Álvarez Flores, Technological Development Coordinator at the CNIC.

In this way, she adds, the ISO 9001 certification ensures that all of the center’s units meet the international quality standards, an element that could become obligatory for all research centers in the future.

The success of the process also highlights the center’s investment in quality, from hiring a quality manager to improving computer and statistical systems. These efforts reflect an institutional commitment with excellence and ongoing improvement, guaranteeing its users that the services provided meet high standards.

The certification of a research center’s services, like the CNIC, under the ISO 9001 standard is very important, both nationally and internationally.

• Guarantee of quality and excellence
  

  The ISO 9001 certification assures that the services meet international quality standards. This proves that the processes are efficient, reproducible and oriented towards ongoing improvement. It reinforces the trust of collaborators, funders and partners in the center’s capacity to produce reliable and high-quality results.

• Optimization of internal processes
  

  The implementation of ISO 9001 certification imposes the standardizing of procedures and reducing errors. This not only increases operational productivity, but also optimizes the use of time and resources. It promotes an environment of continuous improvement, essential in a field as competitive as research.

• Credibility to Society
  

  The certification reinforces transparency and accountability. This is crucial for institutions that depend, in part, on public funding.

• Assures that the results of scientific research and services are trustworthy and can be applied for the benefit of society

• Greater International Competitiveness
  

  In a globalized environment, the certification allows the center to compete on equal terms with other institutions of international prestige.

  It opens doors to international collaborations, as many of the partners demand certified standards as a requirement for working together.

• Attraction of talent and resources
  

  Having certified systems of quality makes the center more appealing to high-level researchers that are looking to work in institutions of excellence.

  Makes it easier to obtain funding and scholarships from organizations that value the quality of management.

• Regulatory Compliance and Security
  

  The ISO 9001 certification promotes compliance with the legal and ethical regulations, reducing risks related to mistakes, negligence or failures in the quality of services.

  Guarantees that the biological samples, clinical data and sensible data are managed properly.

The complete certification of the CNIC under the ISO 9001 standard, places the CNIC as a leader in the field of technological and scientific research in Spain. This recognition not only strengthens its ability to compete at an international level, but also ensures a positive impact on society through the development of innovative solutions for cardiovascular health.