20th May – World Metrology Day

20^th May is World Metrology Day, commemorating the anniversary of the signing of the Metre Convention in 1875. This treaty provides the basis for a coherent measurement system worldwide. The Principality of Serbia joined the Metre Convention on 21^st September 1879 when it undertook to introduce the International System of Units (SI), to realise national standards in accordance with the definitions adopted by the General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM), as the governing body of the Convention, to periodically compare Serbian standards with international standards kept by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM). The Directorate of Measures and Precious Metals (DMDM), as our National Metrology Institute, continues the original membership of the Metre Convention.

Measurements and the global energy challenge

The theme chosen for 2014 is Measurements and the global energy challenge points to a growing global energy challenge over the coming decades. The crux of the problem is the growing energy demand, particularly from the emerging nations, coupled with the need to limit or reduce greenhouse gases. Moreover, a need for renewables was noticed.

To meet the challenge we need to improve our ability to measure a whole series of parameters in, for example, industrial production, transmission grids, and in cases when we buy or sell energy.

Many measuring instruments are controlled by law or are subject to regulatory control (legal metrology), for example the scales used to weigh goods in a shop, instruments to measure environmental pollution, or meters used to bill energy. The International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) develops international Recommendations the aim of which is to align and harmonise requirements for these types of instruments worldwide.

Across the world, national metrology institutes continually advance measurement science by developing and validating new measurement techniques at whatever level of sophistication is needed. They also participate in comparisons coordinated by BIPM to ensure the reliability of measurement results worldwide.

World Metrology Day celebrates the contribution of all the people that work in intergovernmental and national organizations throughout the year on behalf of all.

For further information, please visit: http://www.worldmetrologyday.org/