South African defence acquisition, disposals and research and development (R&D) agency Armscor announced on Monday that it is to host the thirteenth Analytical Chemistry Course, run annually under the auspices of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. The two-week course is taking place at Armscor’s Protechnik Laboratories, from Monday to Friday, June 9.
The underlying purpose of the programme is to strengthen cooperation with Africa regarding the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. The immediate purpose is to train African scientists to collect and verify samples, and in the use of instruments and their software, the validation of methods, laboratory equipment analysis, as well as in analysis, and learning about the degradation, of chemical warfare agents.
“We are looking forward to use our state-of-the-art facilities to impart knowledge on scientists from across the African continent,” affirmed Armscor group executive: R&D Dr Noel Mkaza. “This course will enable participants to gain sound knowledge of the principles, procedures and applications of gas chromatography techniques for the analysis of chemicals related to the Convention.”
Protechnik Laboratories is one of Armscor’s R&D facilities. It undertakes applied chemistry and biochemistry R&D activities, focused on biological and chemical research. “Biomedical studies are undertaken focusing on characterisation and identification techniques for biological warfare agents,” explained the agency.