Measurement systems
A sophisticated and reliable metrology system is a key precondition for new technologies, for fair trade, and for safeguarding our citizens' quality of life. Continuing developments within the legal metrology system at the European level, together with ongoing technological advances (e.g. smart metres), have made it necessary for Germany to fundamentally redesign its measurement and calibration systems. This redesign process is being spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology. The primary aim here is to keep pace with rapid technological developments. At the same time, we want to make rules more flexible, cut costs for industry, and make procedures more business-friendly.
New technologies also call for new measurement methods. For example, nanotechnology requires completely new measurement and assessment procedures to accomplish key tasks such as ensuring that nano products are compatible with the environment and public health. The continued development, improvement and assessment of new measurement procedures is one of the main tasks of Germany's national metrology institute, the "Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt" (PTB). Issues concerning the safety and environmental compatibility of new technologies fall within the remit of the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM).
Four years ago, Germany launched a funding programme called MNPQ Transfer, which helps small and medium-sized businesses to exploit the commercial potential of research findings generated by the Economics Ministry's scientific-technical institutes (PTB, BAM and the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources [BGR]) in the areas of measurement, standards, assessment, and quality assurance. The programme has proved a success - providing funding for 80 projects so far - and has been extended until 2015.
European Metrology Research Programme (EMRP)
Europe's metrology institutes have jointly launched the European Metrology Research Programme (EMRP), which aims to coordinate metrology-related research and development efforts necessary to confront global challenges in the fields of health, energy, industry, the environment, and new technology. By pooling forces, the EMRP also fosters the more efficient use of resources. At the same time, the programme creates additional potential for enhancing Europe's world-leading role in the field of metrology.
The programme - which is set to run for seven years - started in 2009 and is being implemented in the form of several calls for joint projects focusing on the above-named challenges. Three calls have been completed so far, and the latest call focusing on the topics of health, new technologies, and the international system of units (SI) was published in February 2011.
The EMRP has a total budget of 400 million euros, half of which is financed by the European Commission and half by the member states. Germany's national contribution is over 35%, primarily via projects that take place at PTB and BAM.
The EMRP is implemented by the European Association of National Metrology Institutes (EURAMET). This regional organisation coordinates the cooperation between national metrology institutes in Europe in a variety of areas including metrology research, the traceability of measurements to the international system of units (SI), and the international mutual recognition of national metrology standards.
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