World Metrology Day is an international annual event that marks the signing of the Metre Convention on 20 May 1875.
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| Photo credit: Skakerman |
The Metre Convention created the International Bureau of Weights and Measures and set the framework for global collaboration in the science of measurement and its application in industry, science and society.
In recognition of World Metrology Day, the National Measurement Institute created two perpetual awards in 2008 and nominations are now open.
The Barry Inglis Medal is an annual award that acknowledges and celebrates outstanding achievement in measurement research and/or excellence in practical measurements by an individual (or group) in the fields of academia, research or industry in Australia. This achievement may be in the form of a single major contribution or a body of work developed throughout a career. The medal is named in honour of Dr Barry Inglis, NMI's inaugural Chief Executive and Chief Metrologist.
The NMI Prize is an annual award that acknowledges and celebrates outstanding achievement in measurement research and/or excellence in practical measurements by a young individual working in academia, research or industry in Australia. This prize is reserved specifically for nomination by young Australians as a means of promoting measurement science and fostering the application of measurement science and techniques in innovative fields.
Last year, the NMI Prize was been awarded to Dr Daniel Creedon of the University of Western Australia for his contribution to ‘research in measurement technique’.
ANSTO has an important relationship with the NMI in the setting and maintaining of national standards. This principally revolves around the ANSTO authorisation issued by the Chief Metrologist at NMI, which was renewed as recently as May 2012 and accepted by ANSTO CEO, Dr Adi Paterson, to maintain the unit of measure of radioactivity, the Becquerel, on behalf of Australia. This is a continuation of ANSTO’s role in providing national standards in ionising radiation to the Australian user community, a role we’ve successfully delivered on for over 50 years. ANSTO’s standard for the Becquerel underpins the correct administration of nuclear medicine products within Australia’s nuclear medicine departments contributing to the improved health outcomes of patients.
The Activity Standards Laboratory (ASL) at ANSTO which houses the Becquerel was recommissioned in 2012 following an extensive laboratory infrastructure upgrade. The ASL, in conjunction with ANSTO Health, recently piloted the supply into the market of Australian Certified Reference Materials which provide clients with precisely measured quantities of radionuclides to assist in client measurement.
The ASL also operates a radio-pharmacy traceability program to internal clients such as ANSTO Health that assist in ANSTO Health’s compliance with TGA licensing requirements and the satisfying of the Trade Measurement aspects of the National Measurement Act (1960) as amended.
Nominations have now closed. For more information contact [email protected]