Top 10 News Stories from 2024
As we close the chapter on 2024, the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) reflects on a year filled with achievements that have furthered our mission to advance global metrology. From scientific updates to new courses and collaborations, these achievements highlight the critical role of accurate and reliable measurements in shaping our world.
Here’s a look back at some of the most exciting news from this year.
1. Beta-version of the SI Reference Point now available
Discover the beta-version of the SI Reference Point, a set of tools designed to provide an authoritative digital reference for the International System of Units (SI). Traditionally published by the BIPM in the form of the SI Brochure, the SI Reference Point is designed to be fully FAIR* and machine actionable.
2. Plans for the redefinition of the second
The Consultative Committee for Time and Frequency (CCTF) and the wider TF community is working towards a redefinition of the second, possibly in 2030. This decision has been prompted by the advent of optical frequency standards and significant improvements in the operational aspects of clocks (stability, uncertainty, robustness) and TF transfer and comparison techniques over the last ten years.
3. Publication of the First Young Metrologists A Vision for 2050+
The BIPM has proudly concluded its first-ever Young Metrologists’ 2050+ Vision programme, a milestone initiative designed to capture and inspire innovative ideas from the next generation of metrology leaders.
4. The 2024 World Metrology Day Launch Event at UNESCO
On 14 May 2024, UNESCO, in partnership with the BIPM and the OIML, hosted the World Metrology Day 2024 Launch Event. This landmark occasion marked the first time UNESCO officially recognized 20 May as a UNESCO International Day.
5. A New Version of the Si Brochure
The BIPM published version 3.01 of the 9th edition of the SI Brochure on 28 August 2024. The 9th edition, published in 2019, reflects the major revision of the SI agreed at the 26th General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM) in 2018, and which was implemented on 20 May 2019.
The BIPM published version 3.01 of the 9th edition of the SI Brochure on 28 August 2024. The 9th edition, published in 2019, reflects the major revision of the SI agreed at the 26th General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM) in 2018, and which was implemented on 20 May 2019.
6. qNMR Summer School
Scientists from fifteen countries came together for a week-long qNMR course, hosted at the BIPM Headquarters’ Chemistry Laboratories this summer. The course included both practical and theoretical modules and offered instructors from National Metrology Institutes and the BIPM Chemistry Department, as well as experts in quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance techniques.
7. Capacity building project to improve the quality of UTC(k) and UTC time scales is taking shape
The joint project between the Consultative Committee for Time and Frequency (CCTF) and the Ultrasonic, Ferroelectrics and Frequency Control (UFFC) Society to improve the capabilities of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) laboratories, NMIs and the broader Time and Frequency community is taking shape.
8. Improved metrological traceability of challenging-to-measure radionuclides
The BIPM received the first standard solution of Technetium-99 (99Tc) from the LNE-LNHB (France) for measurement using the newly implemented Extension of the International Reference System (ESIR). This marks the launch of the BIPM.RI(II)-K5 comparison, with the first of the 14 isotopes selected by the Consultative Committee for Ionizing Radiation (CCRI).
9. New Pilot Study Enhances Accuracy of AC Voltage Comparisons
The BIPM and NIST have successfully conducted a new pilot study, marking a significant advancement in the accuracy and reliability of ac voltage comparisons. This achievement represents a major step forward for on-site comparisons of ac voltages.
10. More accurate surface ozone measurements are on their way!
Preparations are underway for the implementation of a new ozone cross section value worldwide (in 2025) allowing more accurate measurements of surface ozone.
The new value (CCQM.O3.2019 value) is just over 1 % lower than the current value (Hearn.1961 value) with a relative uncertainty that is reduced to 0.31%. The efforts to achieve a coordinated update of normative standards has been led by the CCQM-GAWG Task Group on Ozone Cross-Section Change Management.
As we look ahead to 2025…
The BIPM is poised to mark an extraordinary milestone: the 150th Anniversary of the Metre Convention. This historic occasion will not only celebrate a century and a half of international collaboration in metrology but also spotlight the future innovations and challenges that lie ahead.
Join us throughout this landmark year as we honour the past, engage with the present and work to shape the future of measurement science together.
Visit our anniversary webpage for more information on how to get involved!
