World Metrology Day is an annual celebration to mark the signing of the Metre Convention in 1875, which set the framework for global collaboration in the science of measurement.
Metrology, the science of measurement, plays a central role in scientific discovery and innovation, industrial manufacturing and international trade, improving the quality of life and protecting the global environment.
The theme for World Metrology Day 2018 is Constant Evolution of the International System of Units.
This theme was chosen because in November 2018, the General Conference on Weights and Measures is expected to agree to one of the largest changes to the International System of Units (the SI) since its inception, and the new changes will come into force on World Metrology Day (20 May) 2019. The proposed changes are based on the results of research into new measurement methods that have used quantum phenomena as the basis of fundamental standards, and on the measurement and exact redefinition of several constants of nature.
By linking the definitions to the laws of physics instead relying on physical artefacts, the new SI will have the advantage of being able to embrace further improvements in measurement science and technology to meet the growing needs of current and future users.
For further information and to register: https://measurement.govt.nz/news-and-events/celebrating-world-metrology-day-in-2018/
Related content
Check our our supporting resources on measurement, starting with Measurement – introduction.
Want to know more about the International System of Units (the SI), start with SI base units and SI derived units.
Find out more about the work New Zealand researchers are undertaking at Measurement Standards Laboratory of New Zealand (MSL) – our national metrology institute.
Useful link
The Measurement Standards Laboratory of New Zealand has prepared a PDF translation of the BIPM’s Concise Summary of the SI in te reo Māori that can be downloaded here.
