World Metrology Day [May 20]

World Metrology Day is a day to celebrate the International System of Units and commemorate the signing anniversary of the International Treaty called the Metre Convention. World Metrology Day is celebrated on May 20 every year.

World Metrology Day History

World Metrology Day celebrates the International System of Units and commemorates the signing anniversary of the international Treaty called the Metre Convention.

About the International System of Units

The International System of Units, also known as SI or SI system, is the modern form of the metric system. It is the most widely used system of measurement in the world. The General Conference on Weights and Measures established and maintains the system.

It is the only measurement system with official status in almost all countries. It is employed in industry, technology, science, and commerce.

About the Metre Convention

The Metre Convention, or the Treaty of the Metre, aims to provide the global basis for a standard measurement system to encourage scientific discovery, innovation, international trade, industrial manufacturing, and quality of life.

It also aims to set the framework for collaboration in science and measurements globally.

The Treaty was signed in Paris on May 20, 1875. The International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) was formed because of this Treaty, which is why we celebrate International Metrology Day on May 20 every year.

World Metrology Day Themes

Some of the themes for World Metrology Day through the years are given below:

• The theme of World Metrology Day 2019 was "The International System of Units – Fundamentally Better" since the General Conference on Weights and Measures gave its agreement for one of the essential revisions to the International System of Units (the SI) on November 16 2018
• The revision was based on the research that the International System of Units (SI) is based on a collection of sets of various definitions related to defined laws of motion and physics
• The theme for International Metrology day 2021 was 'Measurement for Health' to create awareness and education about the impact of measurement in the healthcare industry
• The theme for International Metrology Day 2022 is 'Metrology in the Digital Era' selected since, in the present times, digital technology has been revolutionising the community, and it has become one of the most exciting trends all over the world.

About OIML and BIPM

The International Organisation of Legal Metrology [OIML] and Bureau International des Poids et Mesures [BIPM] jointly handle the International Metrology day.

BIPM or Bureau International des Poids et Mesures

BIPM, also known as Bureau International des Poids et Mesures, ensures the reliability of various measurement results worldwide. It also helps the users by providing a forum where member states can address new challenges in the field of measurements.

The BIPM authority also undertakes scientific work for some specific physical and chemical quantities. Hence, BIPM is a network centre for all national metrology institutes (NMIs), which work together to maintain traceability in SI units and measurements.

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OIML or International Organisation of Legal Metrology

The OIML, or International Organisation of Legal Metrology, aims to develop the International Recommendations to align the worldwide harmonise requirements in various fields. It was established in 1955 to promote legal Metrology and global harmonisation with the Bureau International de Métrologie Légale (BIML).

According to the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM), Metrology is "the science of measurement, embracing experimental and theoretical determinations at any level of uncertainty in science and technology."

International Metrology Day is a reminder to acknowledge the contributions of various organisations to the field of measurements and Metrology.

FAQs on World Metrology Day

Q.1. What is World Metrology Day?

World Metrology Day celebrates the International System of Units and commemorates the signing anniversary of the international Treaty called the Metre Convention.

Q.2. When do we celebrate World Metrology Day?

We celebrate World Metrology Day every year on May 20.

Q.3. Who handles the World Metrology Day project?

The OIML or International Organisation of Legal Metrology and BIPM or Bureau International des Poids et Mesures jointly handle the World Metrology Day.

Q.4. What is the International System of Units, and what does it have to do with World Metrology Day?

The International System of Units is the most widely used measurement system in the world. World Metrology Day celebrates this system.

Q.5. What is the theme of World Metrology Day 2022?

The theme for World Metrology Day 2022 is Metrology in the Digital Era.