Short instruction
Metrology is the oldest of three core components of QI and thus it has become one of the most sophisticated sciences and one in which cooperation across the world is essential to maintaining modern technology (Kellerman, 2019). QI relies on a national measurement system that ensures that measurements are made with appropriate accuracy and reliability and may be related to other measurements made domestically or internationally (ISO/UNIDO, 2010). Measurement also underpins testing as many items require calibration by specialist laboratories to ensure that such tests are traceable to international measurement standards (ISO/UNIDO, 2010). Manufacturing also requires consistent and reliable measurements for the interoperability and compatibility of components, as do measurements associated with traded commodities (ISO/UNIDO, 2010). At the international level, the measurement science and measurement capabilities are coordinated by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) (see more at ISO/UNIDO, 2010). The BIPM is an intergovernmental organization established by the Meter Convention through which Member States act together on matters related to measurement science and measurement standards (BIPM, 2024). At the regional level, the collaboration among National Measurement Institutes (NMIs) is coordinated by Regional Metrology Organizations (RMOs) (Howarth & Redgrave, 2008). At the national level, NMIs are responsible for providing the compatibility of measurements (ISO/UNIDO, 2010). It is their responsibility to provide the measurement capabilities needed within their economies and maintain capabilities which provide comparability with other economies (ISO/UNIDO, 2010). Still, within many economies, access to appropriate high-level measurements for some quantities must be through NMIs from other economies (ISO/UNIDO, 2010).
The ILOs examples
K6.1., K6.3., K7.1., K7.2., K7.3., S6.2., S6.6., S7.1, S7.2., S7.10.
Recommended Teaching Case studies/Serious games/Оther
Recommended duration of tutorials: from 30 minutes to 90 minutes
1. EURAMET
EURAMET. (2008). Metrology - In Short, Third Edition,
Chapter 4, Measurement’s impact: Some examples, pp. 48-58.
Good practice
Educators teaching about metrology usually focus on its critical role in ensuring accuracy and reliability across industries. They usually start with foundational concepts, such as the Meter Convention and the SI system, thus emphasizing its significance for consistency in manufacturing, scientific research, and global trade. Additionally, they emphasize the role of NMIs (e.g., Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) in Germany) and international agreements, such as the Meter Convention in harmonizing measurements all around the world. Finally, they may also choose to demonstrate some measurement techniques or even calibration certificates, thereby establishing the relationship between theoretical knowledge and practical skills and competencies. Through lessons, students acquire knowledge of how metrology underpins innovation, ensures compliance with standards, and ensures trust which is seen as crucial for everyday life and global commerce.
Recommended sources
If you are new to the topic, the basics can be found at:
https://www.hsbooster.eu/training-academy/role-metrology-quality-infrastructureù
Other sources on Metrology:
- Bucher, J., et al. (2004). The Metrology Handbook. The Measurement Quality Division, ASQ Quality Press.
- Erard, L. et al. (2006). Organization of Metrology: Industrial, Scientific, Legal. In D., Placko (Ed.). Metrology in industry - The Key for Quality (1st ed.). London: ISTE Ltd.
- Howarth, P., Redgrave, F. (2008). Metrology – In Short (EURAMET, 3rd ed.),
- Accessed on October 27, 2022. Retrieved from: https://www.euramet.org/publications-media-centre/documents/metrology-in-short/tiL=0
- ISO/UNIDO. (2010). Building trust. The Conformity Assessment Toolbox. Accessed on October 27, 2022. Retrieved from: https://www.iso.org/files/live/sites/isoorg/files/archive/pdf/en/casco_building-trust.pdf.
- Kellerman, M. (2019). Ensuring Quality to Gain Access to Global Markets (A Reform Toolkit). Accessed on October 27, 2022. Retrieved from: https://thedocs.worldbank.org/en/doc/249621553265195570-0090022019/original/FullQIToolkitReport.pdf.
Other sources on Metrology Standards:
- Allen, R. A., Cresswell, M. W., Murabito, C. E., Dixson, R. G., & Bogardus, E. H. (2003). Critical dimension calibration standards for ULSI metrology. In AIP Conference Proceedings (Vol. 683, No. 1, pp. 421-428). American Institute of Physics.
- Guan, Y., & Tortonese, M. (2004). Metrology standards for semiconductor manufacturing. In Proceedings. 7th International Conference on Solid-State and Integrated Circuits Technology, 2004. (Vol. 1, pp. 588-593). IEEE.
- Kovalevsky, J. (2000). The consequences of the mutual recognition of measurement standards for international metrology. Accreditation and quality assurance, 5(10), 409-413.
- Marschall, S., Schedrick, N., & Hahlweg, C. F. (2018, September). Standard specifications vs metrology of LED illumination systems. In Novel Optical Systems Design and Optimization XXI (Vol. 10746, pp. 65-73). SPIE.
- Miles, J. (2009). 16. Metrology and standards for nanotechnology. New global frontiers in regulation: The age of nanotechnology, 333.
- Monteiro, E. C., & Leon, L. F. (2015). Metrological reliability of medical devices. In Journal of Physics: Conference Series (Vol. 588, No. 1, p. 012032). IOP Publishing.
- Postek, M. T., & Lyons, K. (2007). Instrumentation, metrology, and standards: Key elements for the future of nanomanufacturing. In Instrumentation, Metrology, and Standards for Nanomanufacturing (Vol. 6648, pp. 11-17). SPIE.
- Rychlik, M., Zappa, G., Añorga, L., Belc, N., Castanheira, I., Donard, O. F., … & Zoani, C. (2018). Ensuring food integrity by metrology and FAIR data principles. Frontiers in chemistry, 06/49.
- Sharma, C., Mandal, T. K., Singh, S., Gupta, G., Kulshrestha, M. J., Johri, P., ... & Kumar, M. (2020). Metrology for Atmospheric Environment: Part II: Environmental Governance. Metrology for Inclusive Growth of India, 691-729.
- Swann, G.M.P. (2009): The Economics of Metrology and Measurement; Report for National Measurement Office, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
- Williams, R. L., Team, P., & Staff, U. S. P. (2006). Official USP Reference Standards: Metrology concepts, overview, and Scientific Issues and Opportunities. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, Vol. 40(1), pp. 03-15.