2025 World Metrology Day: ‘Measurements for all times, for all people’
20 May is World Metrology Day, celebrating a century and a half of international collaboration in metrology.
This year marks 150 years since the Metre Convention was signed in Paris in 1875, which later founded the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM).
This treaty provides the basis for a worldwide coherent measurement system that underpins scientific discovery and innovation, industrial manufacturing and international trade, as well as the improvement of the quality of life and the protection of the global environment.
Around the world, national metrology laboratories continually advance measurement science by developing and validating new measurement techniques at the necessary level of sophistication. Accurate measurements provide the sound basis for global trade today and help to prepare for the challenges of tomorrow.
This year’s theme ‘Measurements for all times, for all people’ highlights the importance of measurements in shaping the past, present and future:
From ensuring fair trade and advancing scientific discovery to addressing global challenges like climate change and public health, measurements have been fundamental for progress and innovation.
European Quality Infrastructure Network
The recently created European Quality Infrastructure Network is celebrating this very special World Metrology Day by emphasising the importance of metrology in achieving the network’s common objectives for the benefit of Europe’s citizens and its competitiveness.
The aims of the network include supporting and enhancing the quality, safety and environmental soundness of goods, services, and processes for consumers and businesses.
In addition to the European metrology organisations EURAMET, the European Association of National Metrology Institutes, and WELMEC, the European Cooperation in Legal Metrology, the network consists of the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), the European Committee for electrotechnical standardization (CENELEC), the European co-operation for Accreditation (EA), the Product Safety Forum of Europe (PROSAFE) and EUROLAB.
Dolores del Campo, EURAMET’s Chairperson:
“This year we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Metre convention with the theme ‘Measurements for all times, for all people,’ that emphasises the universal value of metrology in improving quality of life and highlights the need for a strong quality infrastructure to build trust, ensure compliance, and promote sustainable development worldwide.
As we face global challenges and embrace emerging technologies such as quantum computing and artificial intelligence, metrology and the whole quality infrastructure remain essential to drive innovation while safeguarding the well-being and safety of citizens around the world.”
Pavel Klenovský, Chairperson of WELMEC:
“Historically, metrology started with applications in trade, in the modern language we would now say: in legal metrology. And in the course of time, those trade applications have been the main drivers of change in metrology culminating in launching the Metre Convention 150 years ago. In this context the impact of the Metre Convention on everyday life of citizens over the globe is direct and huge. We in WELMEC believe that it is the reason why even citizens at large should pay tribute to this important milestone aiming at facilitating trade and at protection of consumers against incorrect measurements.”
Elena Santiago Cid, Director General, CEN and CENELEC:
“150 years ago, the Metre Convention laid the foundation for a global culture of trust in measurement, an essential pillar for the standards that support modern life. At CEN and CENELEC, we continue this legacy by working with our partners to develop consensus-based standards that drive Europe’s green and digital transitions, foster industrial innovation, and enhance supply chain resilience. These standards are grounded in the principles of accuracy, comparability, and transparency – values inherited from metrology.
Looking ahead, the European Quality Infrastructure Network (EQIN) will play a pivotal role in ensuring this legacy adapts to emerging technologies and evolving societal needs. Through strengthened cooperation within EQIN, we can reinforce Europe’s quality infrastructure and build lasting trust in the systems that shape our shared future.”
Andreas Steinhorst, Executive Secretary, European co-operation for Accreditation:
“The European co-operation for Accreditation joins the global quality community in celebrating this landmark occasion. Metrology is fundamental to everything we do in accreditation. Accurate and traceable measurements are so important for having trust in test results, confidence in certifications, and assurance in inspection and verification outcomes.
EA recognises and commends the vital contributions of EURAMET and the wider metrology community in advancing measurement science and ensuring its continued relevance in today’s rapidly evolving world. As we mark 150 years of the Metre Convention, EA reaffirms its commitment to working in partnership with all pillars of the quality infrastructure to support a more resilient, innovative, and globally connected future.”
Ioana Sandu, Executive Director, Prosafe:
“Metrology reinforces product safety and compliance, ensuring that products meet the essential requirements. At PROSAFE, we rely on accurate measurement to support market surveillance and protect consumers across the EU and the EEA. On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the Metre Convention, we celebrate the collaboration that continues to advance the science of measurement and reinforces trust in the European Single Market.”
Andreas Kinzel, EUROLAB President:
“The Metre Convention created a common “language” in measurement, testing, and conformity assessment 150 years ago. Laboratories and the TIC sector, represented by EUROLAB, are the essential pillar within the quality infrastructure necessary for the safety of European citizens. And without this, European and global trade would not be possible today.”
The World Metrology Day project is realised jointly by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) and the International Organisation of Legal Metrology (OIML). For a global overview on World Metrology Day activities and a joint message from the directors of the BIPM and the International Bureau of Legal Metrology (BIML), please visit the dedicated BIPM & OIML website.
Since 2024 World Metrology Day is officially recognised by UNESCO.
World Metrology Day acknowledges and honours the contributions of individuals working in intergovernmental, regional, and national metrology organisations and institutes year-round.