There’s a quiet kind of brilliance in the work NATA accredits. It lives behind the scenes, measured, precise, often invisible. Not designed for applause, but for assurance. And yet, once a year, that quiet work steps into the light.
The NATA Excellence Award is not just about recognising outcomes. It’s about revealing the people, the persistence, and the pride behind them. For our 2025 finalists and recipient, the journey began not with certainty, but with reflection.
For RCPAQAP, whose world first innovation in automated defactoring reshaped how pathology EQA results are interpreted, the recognition came as a surprise. One that travelled far beyond expectation.
“We didn’t expect to be shortlisted. It was a wonderful surprise and a real validation that the work had resonated beyond our own organisation.” – RCPAQAP
For Eurofins APAL, the nomination process itself became a moment for pause, an opportunity to look back on the depth of effort behind their advancements in Mid Infrared Technology. What followed was a quiet, but powerful affirmation.
“Being announced as a finalist felt like recognition not just for the technical achievement, but for the collaboration and persistence of the entire team.” – Eurofins APAL
And then there’s Interwinery Analysis Group, whose response perhaps captures the most human moment of all. The announcement did not arrive quietly. It arrived in a burst of messages, all caps, exclamation marks, and pure, unfiltered joy.
“YESSS!!! 😁 Ahhhhhhhh!!! That’s great, let’s all go to the awards 😊 Oh that’s AWESOME!!!” – Interwinery Analysis Group
Because sometimes, recognition does not feel formal. Sometimes, it feels like a group chat exploding at once. Then comes the night itself. A room suspended between anticipation and celebration. Eurofins APAL described it as inspiring, being surrounded by organisations doing exceptional work, where simply being present already felt like an achievement.
RCPAQAP shared the experience across a full team. Leaders, specialists, communicators, all present, all invested. Even extending the moment to their CEO overseas, connected through messages as the night unfolded. And Interwinery Analysis Group?
“We were all absolute balls of nerves and excitement!” – Interwinery Analysis Group
Balanced, of course, with one practical concern. Staying composed enough, just in case they had to walk on stage. When the moment lands, it lands differently. For the award recipient,
“It was pure shock. One of those moments where you hear your name, but it takes a second to register.” – RCPAQAP
For Eurofins APAL and Interwinery Analysis Group, the recognition as finalists carried its own weight. A validation not diminished by outcome but deepened by it.
Interwinery Analysis Group, candid and honest, admitted they “felt like we had it in the bag.” And yes, there was disappointment. But what followed speaks louder. Pride, visibility, and a story they carried forward. On their walls, in their seminars, and even in a purse filled with photobooth memories. Because recognition does something rare. It brings forward the people who are usually unseen. A shared sentiment across all three finalists is the value of recognition for the teams working behind the scenes—those whose contributions are often unseen, yet essential to the impact and success of their work.
And then, the lens turns on them. Through NATA’s Everyday Heroes campaign, these teams stepped into a different kind of spotlight. Not technical, but personal.
RCPAQAP described the experience as energetic and genuinely enjoyable, capturing the spirit of their team in motion. Eurofins APAL found it eye opening. A chance to share the story behind the science, and the people behind the process. For Interwinery Analysis Group, it was something even more unexpected.
A team used to work quietly in the background suddenly stepping forward. Camera shy, yes, but fully embraced.
“The filming crew and NATA’s Creative were amazing to work with. We now consider some of them honorary members of IWAG.” – Interwinery Analysis Group
Because in the end, there is only one recipient. But the experience, the pride, the reflection, the celebration, belongs to many. If there is work within your organisation that quietly makes a difference, work that protects, advances, and shapes outcomes, you may already be closer than you think. Sometimes, it simply begins with recognising it.
Nominations for the 2026 NATA Excellence Awards are now open, closing on 24 April
NOMINATE NOWCaptured Moments — From the Awards Stage to the Campaign Story
Our Members: Our Everyday Heroes (Video Series)
NOTE: NATA sincerely thanks Michelle Keays (RCPAQAP), Melanie Palmer (Eurofins APAL), and Michaela Barton
(Interwinery Analysis Group) for sharing their experiences and thoughtful insights, which helped shape this article.