Savannah River National Laboratory’s (SRNL) Michael J. Brisson has been elected to the Board of Directors of ASTM International, a global organization that develops and publishes consensus technical standards for a wide range of products and services.

The 25-member Board of Directors of the U.S.-based not-for-profit organization is responsible for the overarching budget and policies. In January, Brisson became one of six new board members serving three-year terms leading 30,000 volunteer members across 140 countries.

More than 12,000 ASTM standards operate globally, supporting innovation, increasing consumer confidence and positively impacting general public health and safety. ASTM’s standards, test methods and safety certifications conform to the standardization principles established by the World Trade Organization.

“Standards help our world work better because they provide consistent methodology and legal defensibility to scientific and technical results, which is very important in our field,” explained Brisson.

Brisson, a Fellow Technical Advisor with the SRNL Analytical Laboratories, began work at the Savannah River Site (SRS) in 1988 as a Senior Scientist. The Analytical Laboratories include seven different facilities across the SRS, ranging from low hazard chemical to Category II Nuclear facilities. During his more-than-thirty-year career, Brisson has overseen a wide range of radiochemical analyses, including testing on soil, water, gases, decommissioning debris, waste and process control samples.

“This is a very significant honor for both Michael and SRNL,” said SRNL Laboratory Director Dr. Vahid Majidi. “ASTM is a standard bearer in the U.S. and around the world, and Michael’s board position recognizes his commitment to applying process to the way we perform work at the laboratory.”

ASTM work is achieved through various subcommittees responsible for creating and maintaining standards in niche technical areas. An active member since 2005, Brisson has served on and chaired several subcommittees, including those on air quality, nuclear fuel cycle, metal powder, soil, water, and others related to homeland security topics, providing technical leadership particularly in the areas of beryllium analysis, dermal sampling and detection limits.

Brisson holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the College of Charleston and a master’s degree in waste management from the National Technological University. During his tenure with ASTM, he has been honored with the Award of Merit; Moyer D. Thomas Award, which includes the title of Fellow; the J.A. Thomas President’s Leadership Award; and numerous committee awards.