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Celebrate Metrology on World Metrology Day 2016

World Metrology Day is on May 20. The theme for 2016 is 'Measurements in a Dynamic World'. "The topic was chosen to align with the increasing rapid pace of change in measurement science, and indeed of the world around us", explains Andy Henson, Director of the International Liaison and Communication Department of the BIPM and coordinator for the World Metrology Day project. The topic reflects both the challenge of accurately measuring dynamic quantities, for example the pressures in a combustion chamber, and the rapid pace of change in measurement science today.

The World Metrology Day is an annual celebration of the signature of the Metre Convention, on 20 May 1875. The Convention set the framework for global collaboration in the science of measurement and in its industrial, commercial and societal applications. The original aim of the Metre Convention - the world-wide uniformity of measurement - remains as important today as it was in 1875.

World Metrology Day is celebrated in more than 80 countries with events and activities to highlight the impact of measurement on our daily lives and the contribution of all the people that work in that area. Previous themes have included measurements to meet the global energy challenge, measurements for safety, measurements in sport and measurements in medicine.

The World Metrology Day project is realised jointly by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) and the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML), both organisations are important partners in EURAMET's network.

"When we reflect on the rapid pace of change in the 21st century, we may say that 'the only thing that is constant is change itself'. The needs for metrology, and how these needs are met, are no exceptions; it is a challenge to bring the benefits of a stable and accurate measurement system to a dynamic world", explains Martin Milton, Director of the BIPM in his message for World Metrology Day. Stephen Patoray, Director of the BIML puts it as follows: "While metrology, the science of measurement, is as old as human civilization it continues to constantly change; it continues to see forward acceleration and it continues to be dynamic. It is truly a fascinating time to be a part of this very dynamic work that we call 'metrology'."

Further information on World Metrology Day 2016, the Directors' messages and poster can be found at http://worldmetrologyday.org/