Research infrastructure open access approach – Implementation challenges and solutions for accredited calibration laboratories

The testing/calibration labs as integral and key research infrastructure segment, especially within European public universities or research institutions, tend to ‘open access’ approach in research, development and innovation. They are also often accredited according to ISO/IEC 17025:2017, fulfilling the specifications of confidentiality. These “open access” and “confidentiality” requirements seem conflicting, imposing challenges in the laboratory operations. The case study of the Laboratory for Electrical Measurements (LEM), accredited calibration laboratory for electrical instruments, and a research infrastructure within the public Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, will be analyzed. The development and implementation of the procedure for confidentiality and the Policy for Open Access to the LEM research infrastructure will be presented, achieving: 1) successful extension of the LEM accreditation scope, complying to point 4.2 of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and 2) adoption and implementation of strategic document ‘Open Access Policy of the Laboratory for Electrical Measurements’, with resolved contradictions.