High level report urges increased funding for measurements and testing
A report identifying measurements and testing (M&T) as a European research area-orientated activity put together by a high level expert group outlines priority areas for M&T and urges an enlarged budget for the next framework programme. Measurements and testing activity contributes to the integration of Europe through its support for research activities that expand the ability to measure and make the mutual acceptance of measurement and testing results possible. The report recommends that, in order to become more effective, future efforts should concentrate on three main areas: trade, competitiveness and safety. A common structure for measurements and testing is necessary for the functioning of the single market and world trade. Progress in measurement sciences and the development of validated procedures and measurements standards are crucial for the industrial development of emerging technologies, such as nanotechnologies. Measurements and harmonisation also play an important role in health care, food safety, consumer protection, improving safety at work, monitoring environmental hazards and improving product safety. Research and infrastructure support are also needed in order to improve forensic investigations. Writers of the report stress that 'it is advisable to reinstate within the next framework programme (Standards,) Measurements and Testing activity as a horizontal coordinating action with a larger budget.' The same conclusion was also reached in a recent five year assessment of the Growth programme. The report emphasises that if the most important research needs are to be targeted, and Community objectives addressed, published calls should always be targeted and dedicated. 'The definition of research tasks to be undertaken in the area of measurements and testing requires a pro-active way of working' states the report. It should also include consultations with a wide range of stakeholders, such as other DGs, standardisation bodies, regulatory authorities, industrial and trade organisations. A strong European M&T infrastructure will not only provide an early warning system, but crucial feedback. The activity is, according to the report, European research area (ERA) orientated in essence. The expert group uses the introduction of 'virtual institutes' by M&T to support this claim. It has also, in some cases, contributed to European consensus building and harmonisation whilst ensuring the impact of obtained results on the development and correct implementation of Community policies and regulations. Efforts are underway to prepare laboratories in EU candidate countries for their tasks in adopting and implementing European directives. Also, innovative new developments are underway to contribute to a unified chemical metrology infrastructure in Europe covering, for example, industrial, environmental, food and health sectors. Addressing the more specific area of metrology in chemistry, the high level group of experts endorses a coordinating role for the European Commission, supported by the Framework programme, in facilitating and harmonising developments. A two pronged approach is favoured: the development of a harmonised European chemical measurement infrastructure for all sectors of chemical measurement and the disseminating of traceability and the principle of metrology in chemistry from the top level to the working level by developing, demonstrating and evaluating concepts, systems, strategies and tools. These areas should be regarded as priorities, continues the report.