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The first two of a new type of Capacity Building project start

The first two of a new type of EMPIR project, called Small Collaborative Projects, started in September 2021.

With budgets of 150 thousand euro and up to 18 months duration, each of these Small Collaborative Projects will address one of the following:

• supporting smart specialisation through the coordination and sharing of resources and services across national borders
• building stronger links with stakeholders with the aim of determining needs for metrology services and cooperatively developing solutions for meeting them
• transferring knowledge to non-National Measurement Institute and Designated Institute (NMI/DI) actors by building networks with stakeholders in metrology services

The two new projects are:

Smart specialisation and stakeholder linkage in Photometry and Radiometry

Developing metrological knowledge and expertise at emerging NMIs

Within Europe there are emerging National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) and Designated Institutes (DIs) that provide the highest order in the traceability chain within their country for photometry and radiometry, but who are not yet able to fulfil the increasing needs of stakeholders’ for the measurement and traceability of particular quantities parameters. Working with other institutes who do have the relevant expertise, this project will enable these NMIs and DIs to develop their metrological knowledge in fields which are of major interest for the photometry and radiometry stakeholders.

This will be achieved through the delivery of web-based seminars and hands-on laboratory experience in the following fields:

• photometric and radiometric calibration of LEDs
• metrology for the safety of light sources
• gloss, colour, reflectometry, fibre optics, photovoltaics

These activities will support the development of the metrology infrastructures within countries. Users of photometry and radiometry metrological services in these and neighbouring countries can be better served and wider participation in future European Union and EURAMET programmes encouraged. Longer-term, the expertise developed within the participating NMIs/DIs will improve economic opportunities in these countries.

Project Coordinator: Stefan Kück PTB

Development of eye‑tonometry in CEFTA countries 

Developing metrological knowledge and expertise at emerging NMIs/DIs in measurements for intraocular hypertension

Glaucoma is the world’s second leading cause of blindness and is the leading cause of irreversible blindness. Intraocular hypertension is currently the only treatable risk factor for this disease, assessed by measurements of intraocular‑pressure carried out using eye tonometers. Currently this metrology expertise is unevenly developed across the EU, especially in the Central Europe Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) states, where some countries are not able to fulfil all the needs of stakeholders in eye‑tonometry due to the lack of relevant resources and experience. A new harmonised approach is required in these countries.

This project will engage with stakeholders to ascertain existing and planned intraocular-pressure metrology calibration services within the CEFTA countries. This will include responsible state authorities, calibration service providers and other governmental or non-governmental offices.

The project will:

• provide training courses on intraocular pressure measurement
• adapt relevant metrology guidelines for use in CEFTA countries
• develop a concept of ‘smart specialisation’ in traceable intraocular pressure metrology, based on analysis of legislation and possibilities for mutual cooperation.

Project outcomes are anticipated to provide more reliable, traceable and accurate calibration methods for eye tonometers and tonometer test equipment. An improved screening for ocular hypertension will in turn improve the quality of life of CEFTA citizens and reduce burdens on their respective healthcare systems.

Project Coordinator: Dominic Prazak CMI

EURAMET Capacity Building Officer Tanasko Tasić said

‘Small Collaborative Projects seem to be a perfect tool for coordinated development of metrological services targeting in addressing very concrete stakeholders’ needs. Many of SCPs will in addition produce training materials that can in future be used by other metrological institutes having similar needs.’

These EMPIR projects are co-funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and the EMPIR Participating States.

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