The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical (OPCW), in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), organised an analytical chemistry course held in Hyderabad, India from 5 to 16 September 2022.

The course enhanced the chemical analysis skills of chemistry professionals from OPCW Member States with economies that are developing or in transition. Experts delivered comprehensive briefings on the provisions and implementation of the Chemical Weapons (CWC). During the two-week training, participants gained theoretical skills and practiced techniques to analyse chemicals that are subject to the CWC. In particular, the chemistry professionals received advanced insights on analytical techniques such as gas chromatography (GC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and derivatisation. The training also covered methods for sample preparation.

The Chairperson of the Indian National Authority for the Chemical Weapons Convention, Neel Kamal Darbari underlined in her opening remarks that: “The skill enhancement on the analysis of CWC-related chemicals to analytical chemists from Member States is highly essential for the better implementation of CWC at national level and helps in extending scientific collaborations for the peaceful use of chemistry across the world.”

The course was attended by 20 participants from 16 OPCW Member States: Algeria, Brazil, Chile, India, Iraq, Kenya, Malawi, Morocco, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Suriname, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

OPCW and Indian Institute of Chemical Technology enhance analytical skills of chemists from developing countries

OPCW analytical development courses assist chemists to acquire practical experience in the analysis of chemicals subject to the CWC. The objectives of these courses are to: equip specialists with the skills to analyse chemicals subject to the CWC; enhance the capacities of industry, academia, and laboratories to implement the CWC at a national level; disseminate best practices in chemical analysis; and broaden the global pool of qualified chemistry professionals.