The Institut Scientifique de Service Public (ISSeP), the Centre wallon de Recherches Agronomiques (CRA-W) and Société Wallonne des Eaux (SWDE) are associated within the Groupement d’intérêt scientifique wallon de référence pour la qualité des eaux (GISREAUX), under the sponsorship of the Direction Générale Opérationnelle Agriculture, Ressources Naturelles et Environnement (DGO3) of the Service Public de Wallonie.
The three organizations have their own specific analytical laboratory skills, which they have decided to combine within a scientific interest group. In particular, GISREAUX makes it possible to
- guarantee the most efficient response to clients’ needs
- position itself as a reference platform recognized at European and international level
- create a research network
- improve return on investment by sharing tasks to optimize efficiency
This partnership is part of a sustainable cooperation to preserve and maintain the quality of water resources, with the aim of increasing Wallonia’s capacity for expertise by ensuring a balance between environmental objectives and method performance. The agreement also aims to increase Wallonia’s international recognition in the scientific field of water.
Provide scientific and technical support to the Walloon region’s reference laboratories in their missions.
- propose appropriate sampling and analysis plans based on the objectives to be achieved;
- develop techniques and methods, including all phases of analysis production (in situ analysis, sampling, transport, laboratory analysis); lead working groups to develop these methods;
- optimize existing analytical methods by improving data quality (uncertainties, quantification limits, etc.);
- promote analytical techniques and methods by disseminating these methods and providing technical support to laboratories for their implementation;
- guarantee laboratory performance. The aim is to establish performance criteria for laboratory accreditation, and to define inter-comparison tests and controls for accredited laboratories, while guaranteeing their competitiveness on the market;
- support the SPW and other future contractors. For SPW, this support can take various forms, including the provision of technical and scientific advice on specific issues, as well as on legislative texts. The GIS will also provide support in drawing up documents (technical section) relating to the criteria imposed on laboratories applying for accreditation.
Promoting Wallonia in the water sector at international level
- participate in standardization work (national and European) and support Walloon positions within national and European expert groups;
- increase the visibility of the group’s common skills within regional, federal and international bodies and companies ;
- represent Wallonia on international scientific bodies.
Develop research programs in the water sector.
- develop, validate and implement new analytical methods, taking into account emerging issues;
- keep a scientific and technical watch on emerging problems and new methods;
- develop collaborative expertise and consultancy services (scientific, technical and standards-related) for regional, national and international economic players;
- encourage subcontracting between partners;
- actively participate in international scientific networks;
- set up joint research programs (program design, fund-raising, etc.);
- establish cooperation with universities for the development of research studies (participation in doctoral schools);
- develop, evaluate and promote environmental technologies in the water sector.