The NPDN philosophy is one of inclusion of NPDN members in decisions affecting the operations and evolution of our programs. All NPDN programs support the three NPDN Core goals of quality diagnostics, professional development, and communication. NPDN program work is advised and steered by member led committees shown below.
Committees supporting Quality Diagnostics
Accreditation Program
For NPDN to be a premier diagnostics system, it must ensure that all NPDN diagnostics labs attain and maintain certain standards for laboratory operations and management. The goals of this committee include establishing a framework for accreditation, with meaningful and achievable accreditation standards, within which all NPDN diagnostics labs are included consistent with their type and capacity. This will include supporting the transition of Star-D to a new system of tiered accreditation.
Contact: accreditation@npdn.org
Learn about the NPDN Accreditation program
Protocols & Validation Committee
The protocols and method validation committee will focus efforts to ensure NPDN labs have access to the best and most appropriate diagnostic methods. Diagnostic labs should have confidence in the method they are using to diagnose and detect pathogens. This committee will therefore: provide leadership for successful technology transfer from the researcher’s lab to the diagnostician bench; identify topics for potential collaborative protocol development, horizon scanning for new diagnostic technologies, develop a framework to ensure fit for purpose protocol validation and verification; produce diagnostic standards; and make recommendations on equipment and supplies to ensure ease of implementation of protocols.
Contact: protocols@npdn.org
National Data Repository Committee
The quality and consistency of the data in the NPDN National Data Repository (NDR) relies on clear entry guidelines and terminology. The goal of the National Database Committee is to create those guidelines and standardize terms used into the NDR. The committee develops and maintains standard upload protocols; reviews nomenclature for taxonomic accuracy; and evaluates new dictionary entry requests.
Contact: data@npdn.org
Learn about the NPDN National Data Repository
Committees supporting Professional Development
Professional development & Proficiency Committee
The mission of the NPDN Professional Development and Proficiency Committee is to support, strengthen, and advance the professional capabilities of NPDN diagnosticians. The committee is responsible for ensuring continued quality and relevant NPDN training while establishing and maintaining meaningful, achievable standards for both professional development and diagnostic proficiency. Through the creation of clear proficiency policies, verification methods, and competency benchmarks, the committee works to enhance diagnostic accuracy. The committee will also promote the transfer of expertise to new and incoming members and support the ongoing growth of plant diagnosticians through in-person training and content published to NPDN’s Learning Management System (LMS). Together, these efforts help ensure that NPDN diagnosticians are well-prepared, current in diagnostic techniques, and equipped to meet the evolving needs of the network.
Contact: prof_dev@npdn.org
Committees supporting NPDN Communication goals
Communications & Outreach Committee
Plant health promotion and outreach is important to the NPDN mission and raises visibility of the network. This committee supports NPDN communication, outreach and extension activities by maintaining the NPDN website and the NPDN communicator. The committee also develops or contributes to communication resources and materials for network and diagnostic lab outreach.
Contact: communications@npdn.org
Regulatory Relations Committee
The mission of the NPDN Regulatory Relations Committee is to support and foster the relationships of NPDN with our regulatory partners. This committee will ensure NPDN members are aware of communications protocols and the roles of regulatory partners in plant biosecurity, and that NPDN regulatory partners are aware of NPDN responsibilities and activities.< /p>
Contact: regulatory@npdn.org
