Building Capacity: A Three-Day KCDB Training Programme in Doha
Behind every internationally recognized measurement lies a story of technical rigor, institutional trust—and people with the skills to uphold both.
From 20-22 October 2025, the BIPM travelled to Doha, Qatar to lead a hands-on training course on the Key Comparison Database (KCDB), helping metrologists build the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate the Calibration and Measurement Capabilities (CMC) submission process and strengthen their role in the global measurement system.
The three-day course, delivered in collaboration with the Gulf Association for Metrology (GULFMET), focused on the requirements of the CIPM MRA and the role of the KCDB in ensuring mutual recognition of national measurement standards.
The KCDB underpins the CIPM MRA by maintaining the official, peer-reviewed record of CMCs. It provides the technical basis for recognition of national measurement standards, ensuring that results are accepted and trusted across borders.
Group photo: Participants and organizers of the KCDB training in Doha, representing National Metrology Institutes and Designated Institutes from across the Gulf region. Photo credit: BIPM / GULFMET.
Strengthening Capabilities, Supporting Recognition
For emerging or evolving National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) and Designated Institutes (DIs), navigating the KCDB process—particularly the preparation and review of CMCs—can be challenging. This training programme addressed those challenges head-on, offering structured guidance, peer interaction, and expert insight from the BIPM team.
Led by BIPM trainers Stéphanie Maniguet and Anderson Maina, the course covered:
- The structure and use of the KCDB platform
- How to draft and submit CMCs for review
- Technical evidence requirements and comparison data
- Quality management system (QMS) expectations
- Common challenges and best practices for success
- GULFMET-specific regional procedures and expectations
The programme also included simulated CMC review exercises and interactive tutorials on the KCDB training platform, with guidance grounded in the latest procedural documents and tools available from the BIPM e-learning platform.
In addition to the technical content, the course reinforced the value of cross-border collaboration, mutual learning and trust in measurement science. The BIPM’s Capacity Building and Knowledge Transfer (CBKT) programme ensures that all countries working within the CIPM MRA can play an active role in the international metrology system.
Shared Lessons, Tangible Impact
Several attendees reflected on how the training would directly support their NMI’s engagement.
The GULFMET co-organizer, Eng. Abdulelah Al-Qarnas (GSO) noted that “by strengthening our teamwork and deepening our understanding of the CMC requirements, this training will help our NMIs engage more effectively within the international metrology community.”
Participant Mrs. Reem S. Al-Romaihi (QGOSM – Qatar) said the course helped her navigate the steps involved in preparing and reviewing CMCs, explaining that the discussions “helped clarify technical procedures,” and that the knowledge gained will support Qatar’s calibration laboratories “in aligning their CMCs with the presented standards.”
Mr. Khalid Al-Dawood (SASO-NMCC, Saudi Arabia), emphasized that the “course clarified CIPM-MRA requirements and technical procedures,” and added that the insights will “strengthen the SASO-NMCC in Saudi Arabia by enhancing the writers’ and reviewers’ competence.”
Looking Ahead
As the BIPM celebrates 150 years of international cooperation under the Metre Convention, this KCDB training exemplifies how shared knowledge and technical guidance can strengthen global infrastructure, one institute at a time.