Society of Quality Assurance
| Formation | Fall 1984 |
| Type | Professional Association |
| Purpose | To promote quality in the regulated research community |
| Headquarters | Society of Quality Assurance 154 Hansen Road, Suite 201 Charlottesville, VA 22911 USA |
| Website | sqa.org |
| Region Served | Worldwide |
| Services | Education, training, professional development, Registry of Quality Assurance Professions, mentoring, specialty topic and regional chapter networks, regulatory agency communication, quality topic publications |
| Membership | 2,139 |
| Executive Director | Alison Cockrell |
| Current President | Cheryl McCarthy |
The Society of Quality Assurance (SQA) is a 501(c)(6) professional association founded in 1984 that works to organize and promote quality assurance in Good Laboratory Practices regulated non-clinical laboratory environments. As of 2021, SQA had 2,139 members in 50 countries.[1]
The 2023 board president is Cheryl McCarthy of Ironwood Pharmaceuticals.
History[edit]
SQA was established in 1984 as a grassroots gathering of Quality Assurance Professionals interested in implementing the Good Laboratory Practices (GLP). As the Society grew, membership interest expanded to include both EPA and FDA GLPs, Good Clinical Practices (GCP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Today SQA membership includes over 2,200 professionals working in contract research organizations, academia, industry and consultancies. Membership also includes students who are interested in a career in life or environmental sciences. Members focus on quality issues in both regulated and non-regulated research and manufacturing to support research and manufacturing quality, integrity and continual improvement.[2]
Quality Assurance Professionals[edit]
The Society of Quality Assurance (SQA) is a professional membership society dedicated to promoting and advancing the principles and knowledge of quality assurance essential to human, animal and environmental health.
SQA Specialty Sections and Committees[edit]
Members participate in specialty sections to address topics of interest.[3] Specialty sections provide a forum to:
- Encourage interaction between professionals in the industry;
- Provide members with updates on proposed and/or new regulations, emerging issues and regulatory trends;
- Develop informative training and educational opportunities on special topics;
- Provide an opportunity for members to foster liaisons and interactions with professionals, professional organizations and regulatory agencies with related interests to maximize information exchange.
SQA Committees are a combination of volunteer, appointed and elected positions and serve to further the society's mission.[4]
| Specialty Sections | |
|---|---|
| Animal Health Specialty Section | Beyond Compliance Specialty Section |
| BioAnalytical Specialty Section | Clinical Specialty Section |
| Computer Validation Specialty Section | Early Career Professional Development Specialty Section |
| Good Laboratory Practice Specialty Section | Good Manufacturing Practices Specialty Section |
| Medical Device Specialty Section | Pharmacovigilance Specialty Section |
| QA Consulting Specialty Section | Scientific Archiving Specialty Section |
| University Specialty Section | |
| Committees | |
| Articles of Incorporation & Bylaws Committee | Board of Publication Committee |
| Education Committee | Ethics & Member Credentials |
| Finance Committee | Membership Retention & Development Committee |
| Mentoring Program Committee | Nominating Committee |
| Program Committee | Regional Chapter Presidents Committee |
| Specialty Section Council | |
Mentoring Program[edit]
A professional mentoring program supports individuals who wish to develop in their current or move into another area.
Registered Quality Assurance Professional (RQAP)[edit]
SQA offers the professional credential Registered Quality Assurance Professional (RQAP). SQA offers a professional registration system for individuals practicing quality assurance in GCP and GLP environments.[5] Registration requires both job experience in Quality Assurance and demonstrated knowledge. Exams are offered several times a year, both nationally and internationally.
SQA Publications[edit]
SQA publishes a newsletter, Quality Matters, and technical articles throughout the year.
SQA Learning Foundation[edit]
In 2014, SQA created a subsidiary Learning Foundation to create education offerings in support of furthering the education and careers of quality assurance professionals. SQA Headquarters is in Charlottesville, VA.
References[edit]
- ↑ "SQA 2021 Annual Report" (PDF).
- ↑ Benson, Barry W.; Pomerleau O’Brien, Patricia (March 1994). "Looking Back-A History of Progress: Society of Quality Assurance". Quality Assurance Good Practice, Regulation, and Law. v.3 no. 1: 110–116.
- ↑ "Specialty Sections". Society of Quality Assurance.
- ↑ "Committees". Society of Quality Assurance.
- ↑ "RQAP Credential".
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