World Metrology Day 2022 Celebrations Held at CSIR-NPL

CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi, in collaboration with the Metrology Society of India (MSI), organised World Metrology Day on May 20, 2022, to commemorate the signing of the Metre Convention on May 20, 1875. The International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) and the International Organization of Legal Metrology jointly announced the theme "Metrology in the Digital Era" for World Metrology Day 2022.

This theme was chosen to introduce digital measurement frameworks and requirements for an open and transparent exchange of digital information technology in order to revolutionize the scientific community, improve processes, and pave the way for new opportunities via new digital initiatives in metrology.

Dr. D. K. Aswal, Director of Health, Safety, and Environment at BARC, along with Prof. A. K. Grover, Chairman, Research Council of CSIR-NPL, and Prof. Venugopal Achanta, Director CSIR-NPL, and Dr. Sanjay Yadav, Vice-President, MSI, presided over the event. Prof. Venugopal Achanta gave the opening remarks to the event.

Prof. A. K. Grover addressed the audience, emphasizing the importance of metrology and the role of NPL as an NMI in this regard. Dr. Sanjay Yadav introduced MSI's vision and mission, as well as its recent activities. Dr. D. K. Aswal delivered the keynote address, emphasizing digital transformation in metrology and its impact on Quality Infrastructure in India.

He also emphasised that NPL should work on certified time distribution to users because the cyber secure functionality of the entire digital infrastructure is dependent on accurate time stamping.

The dignitaries released a World Metrology Day poster on this occasion. Three Bharatiya Nirdeshak Dravyas (BNDs®) were also issued: BND 6019 for gas, BND 4203 and BND 4204 for gold alloys, respectively. During this event, India's first Robotic Mass Comparator was also unveiled.

The robotic mass comparator is a one-of-a-kind and cutting-edge facility that serves both fundamental research and highly accurate automatic mass measurement.

Automation will help to significantly reduce and potentially eliminate manual handling risks while also ensuring the highest accuracy in weight calibration. It provides numerous benefits to scientists, metrologists, industries, and all stakeholders across the country.

Dr. Ranjana Mehrotra, Vice-President of MSI, presided over a technical session. Dr. Daniel Hutzschenreuter of PTB, Braunschweig, Germany, gave the first presentation on "Metrology for Digital Transformation." Prof. C.J. Tsai of the Institute of Environmental Engineering, NYMCT University, Taiwan, gave the session's second talk on "QA/QC of standard PM monitors and smart air sensors." Dr. S. K. Jaiswal, Sr. Pr. Scientist, CSIR-NPL, concluded the event with a vote of thanks.