Starting in April, Metrosert presents an exciting short video series titled “A Measured World”, which explores the past, present, and future of measurement. With the series, the 150th anniversary of the Metre Convention, marked on May 20 this year, is celebrated — a significant milestone in the history of metrology.
In the first episode of “A Measured World”, Metrosert’s Chairman of the Board and physicist Aigar Vaigu explains how the changes initiated by the French Revolution helped shape today’s system of measurement units.
“At first glance, it might seem like the French Revolution and your monthly electricity bill have nothing in common, but in fact, the connection is clear,” Vaigu notes. He describes how, in the late 18th century, the French were using more than a quarter of a million different units of measurement, causing immense confusion in trade and daily life. “Imagine everyday issues like payment difficulties and chaos in commerce.”
In the revolutionary spirit, a unified system of measurement was established by 1799, which later spread across the globe. The Metre Convention, signed in Paris in 1875 by representatives from 17 countries, laid the foundation for international cooperation in the field of metrology, ensuring the universality and reliability of measurement units.
Today, the International System of Units (SI) is based on seven base units — the metre, kilogram, second, ampere, kelvin, mole, and candela. Their definitions have been refined over time to keep pace with scientific progress. “The core mission of the Metre Convention has remained the same for 150 years — to ensure that measurement units are accessible to everyone, regardless of political change,” Vaigu added. “It’s a common language we all speak around the world.”
Estonia became a full member of the Metre Convention only recently, on January 14, 2021, when President Kersti Kaljulaid signed the decision at Kadriorg. As a full member, Estonia can now more actively participate in international metrological collaboration, supporting the development of the country’s national measurement standards. Metrosert, Estonia’s national metrology institute, currently maintains state standards in four areas: mass, length, temperature, and electrical quantities.
The 150th anniversary of the Metre Convention on May 20, 2025, will be celebrated worldwide with various events. The highlights of the anniversary year will take place from May 20–22 in Paris and Versailles, with festive events reflecting on a century and a half of achievements and looking ahead to the future of metrology. In addition, the 22nd International Metrology Congress will take place in Lyon from March 11–14, 2025, focusing on metrology in the context of sustainability and digitalization.
In Estonia, the anniversary year provides a great opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of metrology in science, innovation, and everyday life. Throughout 2025, Metrosert invites the public to explore the world of measurement through the video series and to understand how measurement accuracy improves quality of life and helps protect the environment. Future episodes will offer a deep insight at SI units, different aspects of measurement, and future perspectives. Metrologists and scientists will explain how accurate measurements contribute to our daily lives and the broader development of the world.
Learn more about metrology HERE
