The D.I. Mendeleev All-Russian Institute for Metrology (VNIIM) news

From 28 to 29 September, 2005, the BIPM hosted the annual Meeting of NMI and other laboratory directors from Member States of the Metre Convention and Associates of the CGPM, in which 78 delegates from 52 countries took part. The Russian leading NMI VNIIM was represented by its director, Dr. N.I. Khanov.

The BIPM Director, Prof. A. Wallard spoke about the today’s situation with the realization of the Agreement on Mutual Recognition (MRA) of National Measuring Standards and Certificates of measurements and calibrations carried out at National Metrology Institutes. The ensuing discussions touched also upon the evolving needs in metrology, priorities for NMIs at the present stage, development of new applications of metrology (laboratory medicine, healthcare, generically modified food and feed, properties of materials), as well as the role of the BIPM in responding to impetuous development of these new application areas of metrology.

The representatives of Singapore, Japan, Bulgaria and USA made presentations of their metrological systems and defined their role in the modern society. The EUROMET Chair and Member of the CIPM Dr. Seton Bennett informed the audience about the international cooperation of NMIs within iMERA Project (implementing Metrology in the European Research Area).

Mr. Mike Peet, past Chair of ILAC (International Laboratory Accreditation) and current ILAC Liasion to the BIPM spoke about the relationship between the ILAC and the BIPM, upon which a discussion of the Joint CIPM/ILAC statement delimitating the roles of these International Organizations took place.