During the last years, several players in the field of microfluidics have been discussing the possibility of starting a Microfluidics Association with the firm target of working towards formalizing standardization protocols, processes and guidelines in order to serve the whole industry.  See their 3rd workshop which will be held on March 6 & 7 in MINATEC campus in Grenoble, France. 

“We are looking for volunteers to participate to working groups that will formulate standards and guidelines in the area of:

1. Flow control

2. Testing methods

3. Microfluidic interfaces

4. Modularity

You can choose one or more working groups where you wish to participate. Each group will be led by a working group leader. She/he will organize telconf meetings in order to assure the progress of the deliverables of each group. The assembly of participants will assess the working group conclusion in standardization meetings.

This workshop will be a great and exciting opportunity for stakeholders from all over the world to join in the discussion of future developments towards the standardization in the microfluidics area and meet in face to face their working groups.

Workshop Co-Chairs:
Nicolas Verplanck, CEA-LETI
Henne van Heeren, enablingMNT

The provisional Steering Committee of the Microfluidics Association:

Holger Becker, MicroFluidic Chipshop, Germany

Marko Blom, Micronit, Netherlands

Henne van Heeren, enablingMNT, Netherlands

Anne Le Nel, Fluigent, France

Darwin Reyes, NIST, USA

Alexios Tzannis, IMT, Switzerland

Nicolas Verplanck, CEA-LETI, France” 

 

WORKSHOP AGENDA DAY 1

Welcome coffee – 9-9.30AM

9h – 11h: Plenary

Official launch of the Microfluidics Association – presentation of objectives and action plan

Short presentation of the 4 technological thematics defined

11h-11h20: Break

11h20 – 13h: Collection session on stakes and challenges

 Every participant explains what he has identified as stakes and challenges (homework)

13h-14h: Lunch

14h – 16h: Clustering + norms needs

Clustering of stakes and challenges (template provided)

Identification of the norms needed

16h – 16h20: Break

16h20 – 18h: Norms + Action plan

Definition of norms needed and action plan associated (template provided)

18h – 19h: Consolidation animators + secretaries – preparation of restitution

19h : Dinner

WORKSHOP AGENDA DAY 2

8h – Welcome coffee

8h30 – 9h30: Converging and restitution preparation

Review and refining of norm proposals and action plans (+ cross-overs if 2 WG per thematic)

9h30 – 10h30: Plenary session : Restitution of 2 groups

10h30 – 10h50: Break

10h50 – 11h50: Plenary session : Restitution of 2 groups

11h50: Conclusion – next steps

12h15-13h30: Lunch

14h – 16h: Visit Showroom and CEA – LETI Health (registration necessary 3 weeks in advance)