The Slovenian Cleanroom Society (SCS) has been founded to serve the cleanroom technology and contamination control sector in the country.
Nataša Štirn, Managing Director and co-owner of Slovenia-based cleanroom firm Klimer, spearheaded the launch of the professional association within the framework of the Slovenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
"Our association will serve as the premier technical, nonprofit membership organisation, connecting professionals who are instrumental in maintaining controlled environments," the company stated on its website.
Štirn told Cleanroom Technology that the establishment was supported by Lek, a Sandoz company, and Novartis, both founding members.
"Their support was crucial for the successful establishment of the association," Štirn explained.
The establishment was supported by Lek, a Sandoz company, and Novartis
Štirn explained: "In Slovenia, we have a well-established pharmaceutical industry with a high demand for professionals skilled in cleanroom technology and contamination control. The establishment of the Slovenian Cleanroom Society will undoubtedly facilitate professional development in this field in our country."
"I am delighted that my initiative to form such a society has been recognised not only by the industry but also by the educational sector," Štirn added. "This new association will play a crucial role in advancing cleanroom technology science in Slovenia."
Aleš Bogataj from Novartis Slovenia will act as president of the SCS.
Above: A meeting with the Slovenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to discuss the founding of the SCS. Image credit: Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia
SCS's mission statement
Klimer's statement included the association's objectives:
- Promoting public education on issues related to the practice and science of cleanroom technology and contamination control.
- Contributing to the advancement of cleanroom technology and contamination control for the benefit of the public, focusing not only on education but also on health promotion.
- Collaborating on the standardisation of effective methods for managing cleanrooms and contamination control.
The association also stated the ways in which it would achieve these goals:
- Organise symposiums, seminars, exhibitions, lectures, and other events to disseminate knowledge and experience in the field of cleanroom technology and contamination control.
- Foster teaching and training in the field of cleanroom technology and contamination control.
- Promote research in all areas related to cleanroom technology and contamination control.
- Participate, where appropriate, in the preparation and monitoring of standards, guidelines, and practices in the fields of contamination control and cleanroom technology.
The company said it recognised the need to establish an association dedicated to the field of cleanroom technology and contamination control in cleanrooms.
Participation in the ICCCS
"We would like to establish an association similar to the Irish Cleanroom Society (ICS) and become members of the International Confederation of Contamination Control Societies (ICCCS), enabling us to implement international certification programmes for cleanroom technology," Klimer stated.
ICCCS is a non-profit organisation that promotes the development of contamination control in cleanrooms. It was established in 1972 in Switzerland and currently includes 20 members, including R3 Nordic, covering four countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland).
Slovenia is the new “Ireland” in the “Tweenies" (2020s)
"We are aware that cleanroom technology is a young scientific discipline with tremendous potential for development and advancement," Klimer stated. "It is a multidisciplinary field focusing on providing optimal conditions in areas where sensitive processes take place, such as various industries including optics, laser technology, semiconductor technology, aviation, biotechnology, medical technology, the food industry, pharmaceuticals, nanotechnology, etc."
"It should be emphasised that this initiative is supported by the President of the International Confederation of Contamination Control Societies (ICCCS)," Klimer stated.
We will welcome the SSC with open arms to the international family of national cleanroom societies
Chair of the ICCCS, Conor Murray, who encouraged and supported the initiative, told Cleanroom Technology: "Slovenia has a population of only 2.5m but Novartis and Sandoz are investing $2b in new facilities for Life Sciences. Slovenia is the new “Ireland” in the “Tweenies (2020s!)."
Murray added: "At the next ICCCS Council of Delegates meeting to coincide with the ISCC2024 event in Milan, in October, we will welcome the SSC with open arms to the international family of national cleanroom societies."
