The Skin Research Centre at the University of Leeds (UK), which has led the way in the treatment of acne, eczema and other skin conditions, is the only University skin microbiology laboratory in the UK to receive the international quality standard ISO 17025.

The centre has an impressive client list, with long-standing relationships with blue-chip companies such as Unilever, Stiefel, Proctor & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, Smith & Nephew and 3M Woundcare - and is now seeking to increase its collaborative activity with commercial partners.

"ISO 17025 accreditation is testament to the quality of our laboratory and will provide us with an added advantage when talking to potential clients," said Centre director Dr. Richard Bojar. "We are examining the different ways in which we can develop our services to the pharmaceutical, personal product and hygiene industries. Collaborative applied research is extremely valuable to us, as much of our research informs our commercial services for companies. It also works the other way, with commercial work helping to support and inform our research."

The Skin Research Centre in the University's Faculty of Biological Sciences was one of the first research centres to be set up in the University of Leeds. It brings together academics, clinicians and scientists and has an established international reputation for dermatological research.

Dr Bojar and his team have invested substantial resources over the past five years to ensure the centre's laboratories meet the stringent requirements required by ISO.

"It has been an invaluable experience. It has really focused us on quality issues and ensures that our laboratory and systems are and will continue to be up to the standards set by ISO," he says.