World Metrology Day(WMD) is annually observed across the globe on 20th May to create awareness about the Metrology, the science of measurement and its application. The day highlights the use of Metrology in scientific fields, innovation, industries, trading and other fields.
The day is an annual celebration of the singing of the Metre Convention on 20th May 1875.
- The World Metrology Day is a joint project by Bureau International des Poids et Mesures(BIPM) International Organisation of Legal Metrology(OIML – Organisation Internationale de Métrologie Légale).
The theme for World Metrology Day 2022 is “Metrology in the Digital Era”, which highlights that digital technology is revolutionizing our community and it is one of the exciting trends of today’s society.
Background:
i.During the 21st General Conference on Weights (CGPM) of Bureau International des Poids et Mesures(BIPM) in October 1999, it was decided to celebrate the 20th May of every year as Metrology Day.
ii.The first-ever Metrology Day was celebrated on 20th May 2000.
Metre Convention 1875:
i.The original aim of the Metre Convention was the worldwide uniformity of measurement. The convention also set the framework for global collaboration in the science of measurement and in its industrial, commercial and societal applications.
ii.17 countries, Austria-Hungary, Argentina, Brazil, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, the then Ottoman Empire, Portugal, Peru, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, the United States of America(USA) and Venezuela, signed the Metre Convention on 20th May 1875.
iii.Metre Convention lead to the creation of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures, the International Committee for Weights and Measures, and instigated the General Conference on Weights and Measures.
About Bureau International des Poids et Mesures(BIPM) :
i.It is the international organization established by the Metre Convention, through which Member States act together on matters related to measurement science and measurement standards.
ii.It is also the home of the International System of Units (SI) and the international reference time scale (UTC).
Member states– 63 Member States & 37 Associate States and Economies
Headquarters– Paris, France