The European Metrology Research Programme in Action

Reshaping European metrology research – the role of national research managers

“…Traditional areas of industry are becoming more complex, and require broader measurement ranges and lower uncertainties. Our understanding of key issues, including climate change, food safety and air quality, all rely on our ability to make ever better measurements and make new demands of metrology (Henson et al., ). This involves creating new capabilities, offering the chance to optimise their location at the European rather than the national level, and to build globally competitive critical mass.…”

“…Managing the European integration of metrology research has been a complex undertaking and ‘has taken extensive effort over a number of years, bringing together the views of more than 20 countries, their NMIs and ministries’ (Henson et al., ). Critical success factors in this process have been a nuanced understanding of key issues and the landscape within which NMIs operate, a careful assessment of the said case and the likelihood of motivating different institutions to work towards a common vision.…”

A Conversation with Leslie Pendrill, SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden and EURAMET

“…You can read more about the EMRP in Andy Henson's recent NCSLI Measure article. [3] It is important to realize that this development of European metrology is not dominated by a few, large European countries, and by far the majority of EURAMET members by number are countries of comparable size to Sweden. As EURAMET Chair during the next three years, I am responsible for leading activities that EURAMET coordinates and for encouraging cooperation throughout Europe.…”

EURAMET: European Association of National Metrology Institutes

“…but also in meeting some of the 'Grand Challenges' of modern society, such as Energy & the Environment; Health; Security; etc., often in combination with the enabling technologies (such as nanotechnology and biotechnology). [2] and EURAMET EMRP Programme Manager Andy Henson [3], in two separate papers from the 2009 NCSLI Workshop and Symposium.…”

“…Alongside high-profile developments, such as the initiation of the European Metrology Research Programme [3] and increasing support to metrological infrastructure development [2], this paper will highlight other important EURAMET activities, particularly continued work promoting the Mutual Recognition Arrangement and identifying opportunities for intensified metrology knowledge exchange, both amongst NMIs and with major stakeholder groups.…”