The 16th International Symposium on Biological and Environmental Reference Materials will be hosted by the National Research Council of Canada in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Halifax is a renowned university city with active research and technology sectors, but is also historic and walkable with numerous hotels and restaurants in the downtown core.
We are pleased to announce that two related satellite meetings will be held in conjunction with BERM at the end of the week:
The 9th International Conference on quantitative NMR will be held June 4 – 6, 2025 in Halifax.
Members of ISO Technical Committee on Reference Materials will convene June 5 – 6, 2025 in Halifax.
Deadline: Jan 31, 2025
Sunday, 1 June – Wednesday, 4 June, 2025
1650 Argyle St, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Located in the heart of Halifax, the Halifax Convention Centre (HCC) is the perfect venue for BERM 16. The HCC is known for attracting and hosting the best events in the region and prides itself in its commitment to event excellence. This facility is completely wheelchair accessible and offers select hearing assist systems, tactile Braille signage, and welcomes all certified guide, service, and companion animals.
This state-of-the-art, modern building opened its doors in December of 2017 and is just steps away from vibrant Halifax life. Located at 1650 Argyle Street, you will find the best local dining, and fantastic arts and culture, all within an easy stroll from the doorstep.
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada is an ideal location for BERM-16. It is a modern port city with a population of approximately 450,000 people that is filled with historic sites, museums and galleries, pubs and fine restaurants, lively night life, shopping, outdoor adventures and summer festivals.
Steeped in history and culture, life in Halifax revolves around the sea. But there’s so much more! From bustling city streets, leisurely strolls through the Public Gardens, sailing tours of Halifax Harbour, exploring the Pier 21 or National Historic Sites – there are many things to do in Halifax.
Not only is Halifax, Nova Scotia the quintessential Maritime destination—where you can tour a natural harbour via a Halifax tall ship or relax on the waterfront, soaking up sea air—it’s also the cultural hub of Atlantic Canada. Come to Halifax for an evening walk along our breathtaking harbourfront; discover shopping, entertainment, and restaurants all within walking distance from the downtown core; and get a dose of Maritime history at attractions like the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Halifax Citadel. Real people, rich culture and music, historic architecture, and natural maritime beauty—these things leave visitors to Halifax with a lasting desire to return.
For more information on the city of Halifax please visit: Discover Halifax.
The Greater Halifax Visitor Guide has great ideas for planning your visit to Halifax.
Getting around town: Ferry and Bridge information.
The province of Nova Scotia is an internationally recognized tourist destination known for rugged coastlines, national parks, beautiful beaches and historic locations including the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Old Town Lunenburg and the Joggins Fossil Cliffs. Delegates are encouraged to experience the natural beauty and thriving culture throughout the province by visiting famous tourism destinations such as the idyllic fishing village of Peggy’s Cove or the beautiful highlands of Cape Breton Island.
Visitors to Nova Scotia enjoy the scenic beauty, rich heritage and vibrant culture. Nova Scotia’s blend of dramatic seas, scenic lands, Celtic music and friendly people shape a maritime culture like no other. Witness the world’s highest tide ebb out of the Minas Basin and beachcomb the ocean floor for treasures. Drive, bike or hike the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton, Canada’s great ocean highway. Stop by the town of Lunenburg to see the home of the world-famous Bluenose II. From the gracious Victorian architecture, to the excitement and fun found around every corner, our cities and towns are going to surprise and delight you. There is no shortage of ways to discover our natural beauty and enjoy our renowned hospitality and charm.
For more information on Nova Scotia please visit: Nova Scotia Tourism.
700 Grafton Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2C4 | 1-902-932-7548 or 1-888-378-8866
We are delighted to have Sutton Place as our official BERM-16 hotel offering quick, covered access to the adjacent Halifax Convention Centre. The rooms feature spa-inspired bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows with breathtaking views of downtown, waterfront, harbour, and historic Citadel Hill. State-of-the-art amenities include a modern and upscale fitness centre and open-air patio oasis with a hot tub and cozy fire pits with soft, inviting seating.
Preferred room rate for Symposium delegates starting at:
$299
per night + applicable taxes
You may also reserve your accommodation now by calling the hotel reservation line: 1-902-932-7548 or 1-888-378-8866 and referencing that you are attending the Symposium and use the code IRCC2025 . Rooms are assigned on a first-come first-served basis—based on availability. Contact the hotel soon to book your room. Rooms are available until Friday, 2 May, 2025 or until rooms in our limited block sell-out.
If you’re flying into Halifax, you’ll arrive at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport (airport code YHZ), located about 30 minutes from downtown Halifax. The airport is regularly serviced by ten airlines, with additional seasonal offerings, bringing travellers in from a wide array of domestic and international destinations.
There are various car rental options located right at the airport—helping you get on the road to downtown—or airport car services are available curbside in the arrivals area. A one-way trip to Halifax city centre is about $64 by taxi or limousine. Shared ride service (Uber) is also be available.
For more details visit Getting to and from the Halifax Airport.
The province of Nova Scotia is connected to its neighbour, New Brunswick, by the Trans Canada Highway—providing a convenient link to the rest of Canada and the continental United States.
Venue: Halifax Convention Centre
For more than 40 years, the BERM symposium has been the premier meeting for discussions on the production , certification and application of reference materials. The demand for reference materials is ever increasing and pressure is also mounting to be able to respond more efficiently to market requirements for new types of materials. BERM presents a unique opportunity to foster collaboration between publicly funded reference material producers, academia and commercial standards providers to fulfill future requirements across a broad spectrum of analytical fields.
As more than six years have passed since the last meeting, BERM-16 promises to be an exciting opportunity to bring the reference material community together again. On behalf of the organizing committee, we look forward to welcoming you at BERM-16 in Halifax!
Jeremy Melanson and Pearse McCarron, National Research Council Canada
The 9th International Conference on quantitative NMR is co-organized with the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC, Pharmacognosy Institute) and the United States Pharmacopeia (USP).
Members of the ISO Technical Committee on Reference Materials will convene following BERM 16. Non-members interested in attending should contact the ISO/TC 334 chair.