From 20 to 22 May 2025, the global metrology community came together in Paris and Versailles to mark 150 years since the signing of the Metre Convention—a milestone that celebrates both the legacy and future of international scientific cooperation.

The #BIPM150 programme was more than a commemoration, it served as a platform for scientific exchange, policy dialogue and strategic reflection.

Over three days of keynote addresses, panel discussions and thematic sessions, speakers explored how metrology supports progress across trade, technology, sustainability and space science.

This summary highlights the key messages and calls to action that emerged—centred on global collaboration, scientific innovation and sustainable development.

• Full programme and speaker details
• Watch sessions on the BIPM YouTube Channel

Key messages from the BIPM 150th anniversary events

Objective 1: Celebrating 150 years of the Metre Convention and its impact on science and innovation.

The discussions throughout the week stressed that the ongoing work of the BIPM in metrology gives hope for a better world and shows what can be achieved when people work together to advance science and society.

This was a key theme in the celebrations' two keynote addresses. Rewatch them below:

Objective 2: Highlighting the importance of accurate measurement for global trade, sustainable development and scientific collaboration

Many of the speakers mentioned the need to reinforce the message to policy makers and governments about the vital role of metrology to society, industry and innovation. This included detailed explanations of the economic impact of metrology.

• One such resounding message from Ms Amal Kasry, Chief of Section for Basic Science, research, Innovation and Engineering, UNESCO, was that precision in measurement is the cornerstone of global progress and innovation. (Watch her full statement and remarks here)
   
• Another message, put forward by Dr Henry Rotich, Director General, Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), is that quality infrastructure (QI) is a driver of innovation in emerging economies and metrology is at its heart.Beyond this, metrology is also critical in adding value to raw materials and manufactured goods produced within Africa, particularly in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). (Watch his full remarks from Session 4 here).
   

Objective 3: Exploring emerging challenges and future directions in metrology and its role in addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

There was a common call during the events that global cooperation, equitable access and inclusive innovation must shape the next era of measurement. This aligns powerfully with the frameworks that guide the collective vision for metrology, particularly the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development and the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ).

• Dr Nathalie von Siemens, Advisory Board Member, Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Germany reinforced this by reminding us that meeting future challenges will require resilience, the ability to embrace complexity, to view challenges as opportunities and to learn from mistakes. (Watch here full remarks from Session 4 here)
   
• Beyond this, Prof. Alessandro de Angelis, Scientific Attaché at the Permanent Delegation of Italy to the International Organisations in Paris emphasised that the motivation and benefits must be explained for countries to participate in “big-science” projects such as CERN and the Square Kilometre Array (SKA). (Watch his full remarks from Session 2 here)
   
• Dr Pascale Defraigne, Time and Frequency Service, Royal Observatory of Belgium added that the international time and frequency community (also) needs to continue to build on the success of the reference time scale Universal Coordinated Time (UTC), a new definition of the second is needed to account for data from new frequency standards and a reference time scale is required for the Moon. (Watch here full remarks from Session 4 here)
   
• Finally, Prof. Alessandro de Angelis reminded us that the BIPM’s 150-year legacy reflects its strength in adapting to change, embracing digitalization and supporting open science. (Watch his full remarks from Session 2 here)
   

Objective 4: Fostering multilateral dialogue on capacity building and innovation in metrology

Cooperation has been a guiding principle of the BIPM over the last 150 years. To meet future challenges for global metrology it is essential to continue with this principle and to engage actively with young metrologists. The importance of education and understanding the needs of stakeholders are vital to meet future challenges in metrology.

• On this topic, Mr Shaofeng Hu, Director, Division of Science Policy and Basic Sciences, Natural Sciences Sector, UNESCO, underlined the importance of reinforcing scientific diplomacy, local engagement and cross-sector collaboration. (Watch his full remarks from Session 2 here)
   
• The value of regional metrology cooperation in building quality infrastructure that benefits individual nations was also raised by Dr Sharonmae Smith-Walker, CEO, CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ), Jamaica (Watch her full remarks from Session 2 here)
   
• Prof. Alessandro de Angelis highlighted the value of 'open science' and the need to communicate the long-term societal value of international scientific cooperation; and Prof. Mustafa Çetintaş, Director, TÜBITAK Ulusal Metroloji Enstitüsü (TÜBİTAK UME), Türkiye reminded us that capacity building and knowledge transfer must be prioritized. (Watch their full remarks from Session 2 here)
   
• In Session 4, Dr Nathalie von Siemens illustrated the importance of STEM education for improving public understanding of metrology. (Watch here full intervention here)
   
• And finally, a new BIPM membership category, “Observership”, currently under discussion within the CIPM was mentioned multiple times in the context of bringing significant benefits to emerging economies. (To hear more on this watch Dr Victoria Coleman, CIPM member and National Measurement Institute, Australia (NMIA)'s intervention – here; and Dr Henry Rotich's remarks on the matter – here).