A division of the Armaments Corporation of South Africa (Armscor), Protechnik Laboratories, will soon host 22 scientists from 14 countries for an analytical chemistry course.
Protechnik has been offering the course yearly for 14 years and will, this year, host the course at Techno Park, in Centurion, from June 3 to 14.
The course aligns with intergovernmental body Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, which has 193 member States overseeing the global endeavour to permanently eliminate chemical weapons through the Chemical Weapon Convention (CWC).
Protechnik will provide the scientists with an opportunity to gain sound knowledge and hands-on experience of the principles, procedures and application of gas chromatography techniques for analysing chemicals related to the CWC.
The scientists will undertake sampling and sample preparation procedues for CWC-related chemicals, laboratory quality management, troubleshooting and maintenance of gas chromatography.
Armscor hosts Protechnik as a strategic facility within its research and development (R&D) department, with a primary focus on chemical and biological research, including to identify and characterise techniques for biological warfare agents.
“We are excited to use our expertise and experience to strengthen relations with scientists within the African continent. This gathering will enhance the capabilities of participants in the area of chemical analyses related to the implementation of the CWC,” says Armscor R&D group executive Dr Noel Mkaza.