As Chair, Florbela will place particular emphasis on advancing metrology in emerging areas of chemistry. She highlights the importance of strengthening international collaboration and harmonising methodologies, especially within EURAMET and broader global metrology networks.
Key priorities during her term will also include fostering innovation in reference materials, improving the evaluation of measurement uncertainty, and addressing new regulatory and environmental challenges. Capacity building will remain central, with continued focus on training, knowledge transfer, and supporting laboratories in the implementation of international standards.
Florbela holds a PhD in physical chemistry from the New University of Lisbon – Faculty of Sciences and Technology, awarded in 1998. Following postdoctoral research at the University of Lisbon, she served as professor for chemistry at the Naval School and at Universidade Lusófona in Lisbon.
She joined the Portuguese Institute for Quality (IPQ) in 2002 and is currently head of the reference gas laboratory. Her career spans more than two decades of experience in metrology, with a particular focus on gas analysis, including the development and maintenance of national primary standards, calibration of gas analysers, and certification of reference gas mixtures.
Throughout her career, Florbela has been actively involved in numerous international programmes and collaborations, including EURAMET, the European Metrology Research Partnerships, and the Consultative Committee for Amount of Substance: Metrology in Chemistry and Biology. Her professional contributions also include peer reviews of international laboratories, technical assessments, and participation in standardisation activities. In addition, she has extensive experience in training and education, delivering courses on ISO/IEC 17025 and metrology in chemistry, supervising academic work, publishing in peer‑reviewed journals, and participating in international comparisons.
Her extensive engagement in international committees and working groups has provided valuable experience in collaboration, consensus‑building, and strategic planning. “My background in training and mentoring also supports effective knowledge sharing and team development”, she adds.
Recognising the demands of her new role as TC Chair, Florbela plans to maintain a structured and well‑organised approach to her responsibilities, setting realistic goals and delegating tasks when appropriate. Drawing on her experience in managing multiple projects simultaneously, she is confident in her ability to handle a demanding workload efficiently.
EURAMET wishes Florbela every success in her new role and extends its sincere thanks to her predecessor, Teemu Näykki (SYKE, Finland), who held the position from 2022 to 2026.