Dr. Maria Fernandes-Whaley is the Senior Manager of Analytical and Material Sciences in the Chemistry, Materials, and Medical Metrology Division at the National Metrology Institute of South Africa.
She is a seasoned professional with an 18-year career in chemical metrology. Her expertise lies in capacity building and measurement science support for food safety and quality initiatives, environmental pollution monitoring, and the characterization of organic substances. She currently holds several key roles, including representing South Africa on the IMEKO Technical Committee 23 for Food and Nutrition, the FAO-IAEA Africa Food Safety Network, ISO Technical Committee 334 for Reference Materials, and the AOAC INTERNATIONAL Africa section. Since 2023, she has been serving as the chairperson of the Consultative Committee for Quantity of Material – Organic Analysis Working Group at the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM).
Her leadership has been instrumental in establishing the NMISA Reference Material Programme in 2015. This program has produced 25 new ISO 17034 and ISO/IEC 17043 accredited reference materials and custom proficiency testing schemes, significantly shortening the measurement traceability chain for Africa and enabling reliable measurements for chemical hazards in food and agriculture. Since 2019, she has implemented robust capacity-building initiatives aimed at supporting sustainable food production and trade in the region. Over 40 scientists in mandated food inspection and monitoring laboratories across Africa have been empowered through hands-on training in food testing, including maintenance and troubleshooting of analytical instruments.
Dr. Fernandes-Whaley’s contributions to chemical metrology include over 20 publications, international presentations, and a book chapter. She actively supervises postgraduate research in analytical chemistry and volunteers in the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Career Mentorship program. As a guest lecturer, she teaches a short course on Quality Assurance in chemical measurements to postgraduate Chemistry students at UP, where she earned her PhD in Analytical Chemistry in 2008.