A consultation to determine the future direction of the National Measurement System (NMS) was launched today by the National Measurement Office
The NMS is the collective infrastructure of national facilities, expertise, knowledge, science and research that provides evaluation and development of new measurement standards and techniques. It plays a crucial and often unseen role in the UK economy – when we trade, we measure, and the international trading system relies on these measurements being “right”.
Measurement plays a fundamental part in the innovation process. To develop new products and processes, companies need to measure quantity, quality and performance.
The draft strategy for the NMS sets out the priorities for supporting leading edge research to advance the measurement technologies that will underpin the UK’s economic growth and an innovative response to national challenges. It will form a framework for the future direction of the NMS by setting out the priorities and rationale for funding and the ambitions for impact.
The draft strategy, now open for consultation, describes how the NMO and the national measurement laboratories (NPL, LGC Ltd and TUV NEL) will deliver leadership in measurement nationally and internationally. It also sets out how NMO plans to achieve impact through investing in measurement assets, working in partnership with the measurement community and sharing knowledge in order to support business.
The launch of the consultation coincides with World Metrology Day 2009.
Notes to Editors
- The consultation lasts 12 weeks from 20 May 2009 to 11 August 2009. A copy can be found here: www.nmo.dius.gov.uk/nmsconsultation. There is a facility for online commenting. There are also supporting documents containing technology roadmaps, economic analysis and case studies.
- The National Measurement Office (NMO) is an Executive Agency of the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.
- NMO’s mission is to provide a measurement infrastructure which supports innovation, facilitates fair competition, promotes international trade and protects consumers, health and the environment.
- The heart of NMO’s work lies in the commissioning of scientific measurement research covering a wide range of scientific fields that deliver benefits across the whole economy. NMO also maintain and improve the primary and national standards which underpin the system of traceable measurements in the UK. Key areas that NMO are involved in where scientific measurement has an important impact are healthcare, environmental monitoring, health and safety and structural integrity.
- NMO’s principal policy responsibility arises from the Weights and Measures Act 1985 which helps ensure consumers and businesses remain protected against short measure and other offences. Their legislative portfolio now includes responsibility for gas and electricity metering and hallmarking. They have also obtained contracts to enforce the RoHS and Batteries regulations on behalf of BERR.
- World Metrology Day has been designated as 20 May each year by the international metrology community in order to celebrate the signing of the Metre Convention on that day in Paris in 1875. The Metre Convention established the international regime that oversees the keeping of the SI system of standardised units of measurement.
