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Contenu archivé le 2023-03-27

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Research and development programme (EEC) in the field of applied metrology and reference materials (Community Bureau of Reference - BCR), 1983-1987

 
Executed in accordance with the Council Resolution of 14 January 1974 (Official Journal No C 7 of 29.1.1974) on an initial outline programme of the European Communities in the field of science and technology, this third BCR programme, like the preceding ones, was not intended to produce written standards but rather to complement the process of standardization by providing the technical support needed to ensure the correct implementation of measurement methods.
At the end of most projects concerned with chemical analysis or material properties, one or more reference materials were issued. Any user of such a reference material was then able to compare his own results with the value certified as being correct.

Each sample of reference material was supplied with a report giving the user details of the work done and making recommendations on how to take the measurements.
To increase the agreement of measurement and analysis results by reducing discrepancies and improving the quality of measurements throughout the Community, to establish means of calibration (transfer standards and reference materials) for the purpose of ensuring the maintenance of consistency, and possibly, in addition, to define methods for obtaining accurate measurements.
Two parts:

- Applied metrology:
Measurements of physical quantities and physical properties traceable to fundamental quantities, including:
. Execution of measurement programmes on a cooperative basis (intercomparisons);
. Improvement of the methods of measurement and of their accuracy;
. Improvement of the instruments necessary for accurate measurements;

- Reference materials:
Chemical analyses as well as physical and technological measurements which could result in establishing reference materials, including:
. Execution of measurement programmes on a cooperative basis (intercomparisons);
. Establishment of reference materials on a cooperative basis and the certification of these materials at Community level;
. Conservation and dissemination of the reference materials established as a result of the programme.
The Commission, assisted by the Advisory Committee on Programme Management (ACPM), was responsible for implementing the programme.

Information resulting from the programme was disseminated in accordance with Council Regulation (EEC) No 2380/74 of 17 September 1974 (Official Journal No L 255 of 20.9.1974) adopting provisions for the dissemination of information relating to research programmes for the European Economic Community.

The programme was evaluated before the end of the third year on the basis of an interim report. A report on the evaluation was sent to the Council and the European Parliament.