We spoke to Dr. Julia Jaeger, Technical Specialist Eurofins Environment Testing Australia on the Eurofins initiative, the nomination process and ultimately the experience of winning the inaugural 2024 NATA Excellence Award.
What inspired you to nominate for the Award?
We were incredibly proud of our achievement in gaining NATA accreditation for our microplastic analysis in water matrices – the first of its kind in Australia. The project has been ongoing for over two years and has involved extensive discussions and significant resources, and we thought it unique and worthy of a nomination.
How did you find the nomination process?
The process was lengthy, with numerous documents to prepare. However, everything was very clear regarding what needed to be compiled and which references to include.
How was the Award event?
The award event was amazing—very special and memorable for me. I will definitely cherish that moment. The location was beautiful, with great entertainment and wonderful company. It was very nice to celebrate this moment with my colleagues and other peers.
How has this award helped to bring attention to Eurofins?
First and foremost, the accreditation has helped build greater trust in our results with customers. However, I personally believe the award has further endorsed this trust. Additionally, through social media posts and the reference on our website, more people have learned about our services and achievements, leading to an increase in requests for sample testing.
Why should a member organisation nominate for the award?
If you have something that stands out from the usual, a member organisation should definitely nominate themselves for the award to recognise and highlight its unique achievements, innovations, and dedication to excellence in its field.
Nominating for the award provides an opportunity to gain industry recognition, elevate the organisation’s profile, and celebrate the contributions that set it apart from others. Additionally, being nominated or winning an award can enhance the organisation’s reputation, attract new customers, and open doors to valuable opportunities. It also validates the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of its team members, motivating them for continued success.
Any hints or tips about making a nomination stand out?
I believe that having an achievement that is slightly out of the ordinary and distinct from your competitors is key. In your submission, you should clearly highlight these achievements, supported by strong references.
You can watch the 2024 NATA Excellence Award Ceremony here