Estonia took part in a historic event as Aigar Vaigu, Metrosert Board Member, and Mari Aru, Head of the R&D Division, participated in the 150th anniversary of the Metre Convention and the International Metrology Day Symposium, held in Paris and Versailles on 20–22 May.
This significant event brought together leading metrologists, scientists, international organisations, and policymakers from around the world.
The signing of the Metre Convention on 20 May 1875 in Paris laid the foundation for international cooperation in the field of measurement units and led to the creation of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM). This agreement has been fundamental to modern international trade, engineering, medicine, and environmental monitoring. Estonia’s participation in the anniversary event highlights our role and responsibility in contributing to accurate and reliable measurements.
The symposium’s opening ceremony at the UNESCO headquarters featured keynote speeches by Nobel Laureate in Physics William D. Phillips and several world-renowned scientists. The speakers emphasized that the International System of Units (SI) must continuously evolve to meet the demands of emerging technologies such as quantum devices, biomedicine, climate modelling, and the space industry. “As the world changes, so must metrology. New challenges demand ever-increasing precision – whether supporting the digital transition or improving satellite navigation accuracy,” said BIPM Director Dr Martin Milton.
“The International System of Units (SI) is a foundation that supports science, industry, and society,” said Aigar Vaigu.
“It is often assumed that once units are defined, the job is done. In reality, emerging technologies and sectors – such as quantum technologies, the digital transition, and climate change – continuously create the need for even more precise measurements. That’s why it’s important that Estonia is actively engaged in the international discussion.”
The scientific conference held at the Versailles Convention Centre focused on the future of metrology – from defining a new SI second, to identifying future medical measurement needs, to the novel measurement methods required by quantum technologies. There was also strong emphasis on the reliability of measurements in the digital age, including data validation and secure data sharing.
The 150th anniversary of the Metre Convention serves as a powerful reminder of why reliable measurements are essential for building a sustainable, knowledge-based society. As Estonia’s national metrology institute, Metrosert represents Estonia as a full member of EURAMET, the association of European metrology institutes, which coordinates cooperation among national metrology institutes and central measurement authorities in Europe.
Read more: www.metroloogia.ee
Watch the short video series “Measured World”, dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the Metre Convention.