The RDI Laboratory Department was initiated in 2004 to serve three core needs in Cambodia:

1. Make water quality testing services available to organizations, companies, and individuals to ensure drinking water is safe and the environment is protected
2. Research emerging environmental and public health issues, such as groundwater arsenic and pesticides in vegetables
3. Help train the next generation of Cambodian scientists about environmental management and protection of human and environmental health

Since 2004, laboratory capacity has improved annually with the acquisition of new instruments and the implementation of new standards and protocols. The RDI Laboratory Department has collaborated on dozens of research projects on a variety of environmental and public health topics. Additionally, dozens of Cambodian science students have passed through our doors – participating in research projects, learning lab testing methods, and some RDI staff moving on to graduate studies abroad.