Workshop brings together metrologists and regulatory stakeholders
A metrology workshop in Geel, Belgium on 30 and 31 May brought metrology researchers together with regulatory and trade stakeholders, a step which EU Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin believes is important for promoting global free trade and aiding the economy. The workshop was organised by the RegMet and the MetroTrade networks, both of which are funded under the Fifth Framework programme's Growth programme. Both disseminate information on the International committee of weights and measures (CIPM) and Mutual measures recognition arrangement (MRA) to interested parties involved in regulatory issues dealing with measurements. 'Europe has a long tradition of excellence in research and innovation, in particular in measurements and testing,' said Mr Busquin. 'By increasing awareness of the need for internationally accepted comparable measurements, the Commission, through the RegMet and MetroTrade projects is helping to bring together European researchers and experts in this field, to reinforce Europe's science base, to promote mutual recognition of measurement and to make global free trade help our economy.' It is hoped that the exchange of best practice instigated by projects such as these will remove existing and future impediments to international trade caused by a lack of knowledge concerning the degree to which national measurements are comparable. The Commission believes that RegMet and MetroTrade are fostering the introduction of an internationally accepted standards and measurements capability.