This March, VHIR has been certified with the ISO 9001:2008 certification of Quality Management Systems, for the research support services provided by the http://en.vhir.org/portal1/article_menu_serveis.asp?s=serveis&contenttypeid=293&contentid=1220&t=Biobanc Biobank, http://en.vhir.org/portal1/article_menu_serveis.asp?s=serveis&contenttypeid=43&contentid=1250&t=Presentaci%C3%B3 Statistics and Bioinformatics Unit (UEB) and the http://en.vhir.org/portal1/article_menu_serveis.asp?s=serveis&contenttypeid=495&contentid=1282&t=Aro Academic Research Organization (ARO). Obtaining ISO 9001 certification reaffirms the strategic commitment of the Direction to improve the quality of processes and services offered.The certification audit was conducted last November by the TüV Rheinland certification company, which reviews the compliance of the standard and that a Quality Management System based on continuous improvement has been implemented. The certificate has been issued when the certification process has been reviewed and approved by the head of the certification body. The certificates are valid for three years, although the follow-up audits have to be carried out annually during the validity period of the certificate.The ISO 9001 StandardThe ISO 9001 Standard is the most widespread quality management tool worldwide, with more than a million certificates in 175 countries. The main objective of the standard is to increase customer satisfaction through continuous improvement processes. It is designed so that organizations implementing it can guarantee their ability to offer services that meet the demands of its customers. This international standard promotes the adoption of a processese approach when the effectiveness of a quality management system is developed, implemented and improved, based on its continuous improvement cycle PDCA (Planning, Doing, Checking and Acting).The main benefits of ISO 9001 certification for organizations are: systematization of operations, improving internal organization, generating a higher level of confidence internally and externally, increased competition, warranty of compliance with laws and regulations relating to products and services, among others.Scope of the certificationServices of the Statistics and Bioinformatics Unit for the execution of statistical and bioinformatic studies for researchBiobank Services to obtain, process, store, manage and provide biological samples for biomedical research.Academic Research Organization (ARO) services for clinical trials and clinical studies management.