Pearse McCarron is a Team Lead for Biotoxin Metrology at the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) and a driving force behind bringing the 16th International Symposium on Biological and Environmental Reference Materials (BERM 16) to Halifax in June 2025.
BERM is an international meeting focused on developing the tools and methods that are essential for measurements in biological and environmental samples. This is critical in Canada and internationally for things like food safety and trade.
In BERM’s 40-year history, Canada had never hosted the symposium, making its arrival in Halifax a milestone for the national science community and an affirmation of Halifax’s strength as an international conference destination.
WHY HE DID IT
Pearse’s connection to BERM goes back to the beginning of his career. “It was one of the first conferences I went to, and I’ve attended it in the United States, in Europe, and in Asia,” he reflects. With deep personal and professional experience in the reference materials field, he saw a strong fit between the focus of the symposium and the research being conducted in Canada.
“Considering the work that we do here in Canada and specifically the leading research that happens right here in Halifax, I really wanted to have it in the city,” Pearse says. He led the initial pitch and bid for BERM 16, then worked closely with Discover Halifax to coordinate logistics and planning, ensuring that the city could successfully host this international conference. Pearse also notes that Halifax’s blend of historic charm, walkability, and concentrated scientific and technology networks makes it a fitting host: “It’s vibrant, easy to get around and a really nice place to come and visit, while also allowing people to engage with the robust science and tech industry that we have here too.”
OUTCOMES
Under Pearse’s leadership, the scientific committee guided the BERM 16 program from planning through delivery and is now continuing work on post-conference proceedings and publications. The event drew approximately 150 attendees from around the world to Halifax— bringing diverse expertise to the city and reinforcing Halifax’s profile as a respected conference destination in Canada.
Economically, the symposium is estimated to have generated over $280,000 in economic impact for Halifax and provided important opportunities for local researchers, institutions, and industry professionals to connect with international peers. Beyond the numbers, Pearse’s efforts helped demonstrate that Halifax is well-positioned to host global scientific gatherings that advance research, innovation, and collaboration.
