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Speakers at the UNESCO launch event of the 2024 World Metrology Day - image: Courtesy of BIPM

World Metrology Day 2024 focuses on the importance of accurate measurement systems for sustainable solutions

World Metrology Day on 20 May 2024 marks the 149th celebration of the signing of the Metre Convention in Paris in 1875.

Measurement science plays an important role in all areas of scientific development and innovation, including establishing sustainable energy processes necessary for supporting the European Green Deal, improving the measurement systems needed for advanced industrial manufacturing processes and delivering high quality healthcare. The world has an increased demand for accurate measurements to tackle these scientific challenges, which is dependent on the traceability of measurements to the international systems of units (SI).

UNESCO officially recognises World Metrology Day and supports the metrology community in publicising the importance of measurement science in all areas of scientific development. This year, World Metrology Day focuses on the importance of accurate measurement systems to increase sustainability in areas such as resource and waste management, ‘greener’ transportation and mobility, as well as increased energy efficiency and renewable energy sources.

On 14 May 2024, an official launch event took place at UNESCO headquarters in Paris (France), organised by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM), the International Organisation of Legal Metrology (OIML), and UNESCO. The event was successful, and several keynote speeches were able to highlight the importance of accurate measurement systems for sustainable solutions.  

EURAMET was represented at the launch by Dolores del Campo, EURAMET Chairperson-Elect and accompanied by Maguelonne Chambon, EURAMET Vice-Chairperson (Research), who represented the French metrology community.

Dolores del Campo comments on the importance of World Metrology Day:

‘World Metrology Day serves as a vital platform for raising global awareness about the indispensable role of metrology in shaping our world. The recognition bestowed by UNESCO underscores the significance of this day, emphasising its pivotal role in advancing scientific understanding and fostering sustainable development. Through active participation and promotion of impactful examples, EURAMET reaffirms its commitment to driving positive change and innovation in the field of metrology, ensuring a brighter, more precise future for all.’

Maguelonne Chambon, is looking forward to a continued collaboration with UNESCO for World Metrology Day:

‘Engagement and Official Recognition by UNESCO is a big step to underline the role of metrology as an essential player for support industry, innovation, education and science. Metrology as a cross-disciplinary showed, by many examples, its valuable and sustainable contributions from now to the future. New challenges for the next decades were presented, demonstrating the high importance of metrology for the worldwide society.’

More information on World Metrology Day 2024 can be found on the official website and on the EURAMET webpage, providing an insight on how Europe’s measurement science community supports metrology for sustainability.

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