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January 13, 2026
Your Expertise, Recognized: The Benefits of Volunteering with CLSI
CLSI wouldn’t be what it is without the more than 2,000 volunteers across the globe who collaborate, validate, and establish critical standards that are shaping the world of laboratory medicine. These experts dedicate countless hours, often spanning months, to perfect the standards professionals use in their laboratories, in the field, or in the clinic. Their efforts ensure that patient care remains safe, reliable, and accurate every time.
CLSI wouldn’t be what it is without the more than 2,000 volunteers across the globe who collaborate, validate, and establish critical standards that are shaping the world of laboratory medicine. These experts dedicate countless hours, often spanning months, to perfect the standards professionals use in their laboratories, in the field, or in the clinic. Their efforts ensure that patient care remains safe, reliable, and accurate every time.
When a volunteer joins a committee, they expand their networks and take a seat alongside hundreds of others dedicated to the same standards. Through the drafting, discussions, and review process, they become integral to CLSI's mission: Develop clinical and laboratory practices and promote their use worldwide.
A laboratory expert’s journey begins with passion, education, and hands-on experience. It then evolves into setting high standards in the field. If you haven’t considered sharing your expertise as a volunteer, here are the many ways that becoming a volunteer for CLSI can benefit you.
Shape the Standards Trusted by Leading Labs Everywhere
Volunteering with CLSI gives you a seat at the table where consensus-based standards are developed, revised, and refined. You not only participate in developing those standards, but you also gain insight into how they are made and help ensure guidance is practical, scientifically sound, and relevant to real-world laboratory work.
“Contributing to improvements and seeing them move from the concept phase to publication and then to global implementation is something that never gets old,” said CLSI volunteer Robert Bowden, Microbiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
Strengthen Your Professional Expertise
Hands-on experience developing consensus-driven standards deepens your technical knowledge and broadens your understanding of laboratory medicine beyond your own institution. Many volunteers find this experience strengthens their confidence and effectiveness in their day-to-day roles.
“From practical knowledge to networking, CLSI involvement has been one of the main drivers that has shaped me professionally,” Robert Bowden said. “Enabling me to learn from and collaborate with clinical and public health microbiologists, infectious disease doctors and pharmacists, and industry representatives from across the world.”
Build Meaningful Connections
CLSI expert volunteers collaborate with various stakeholders in the laboratory world. These connections often become long-term professional relationships that extend well beyond committee meetings, fostering peer-to-peer learning, and individual professional development.
“Engaging in discussions about the balance between scientific rigor, regulatory requirements, and practical needs has been enlightening. It has allowed me to understand the perspectives and demands of various constituencies (professions, government, and industry) as well as the diverse viewpoints within my own field,” said CLSI volunteer Jesper Johansen, PhD, MS, Radiometer.
Gain Professional Visibility and Recognition
When you serve as a CLSI volunteer, you demonstrate your expertise, collaboration skills, and professional commitment. This type of service is widely recognized across the laboratory community and can support career advancement, leadership opportunities, and professional credibility.
“The volunteer work serves as a robust professional network, providing inspiration and strategies for addressing specific challenges within the IVD field.” Dr. Johansen said. “These insights have significantly enhanced my daily work and have contributed to my career advancement.”
Make a Lasting Impact on Patient Care
CLSI standards influence laboratory practices and clinical decision-making globally. Contributing your expertise helps improve quality, consistency, and patient safety, allowing your work to have an impact far beyond your own laboratory.
“Keep an eye on the CLSI website's "Current Volunteer Opportunities" section and apply when an opportunity arises which matches your interests,” Robert Bowden said. “ Attend a Committees Week meeting if you're able, as you'll learn so much and this is where many of the smaller ad hoc working group are often formed; most ad hoc working groups address a single issue and then disband, making them a great way to dip your toes into volunteering,”
Be Part of the Gold Standards Driving the Decisions that Matter Most
Whether you’re new to the world of laboratory medicine, or a seasoned professional, a CLSI committee is waiting for you to join and make the world safer and healthier by promoting laboratory standards and their use globally.
Explore more benefits of volunteering for CLSI and stay posted for new opportunities by visiting clsi.org/volunteer!
Have questions? Reach out to the CLSI customer support team at customersupport@clsi.org.