Chemistry Department
From the air we breathe and food we eat to the medicines we rely on, trusted chemical and biological measurements help people make informed decisions every day.
Building confidence in chemical and biological measurements
The BIPM Chemistry Department develops and coordinates international comparisons on chemical and biochemical reference systems that support metrological traceability to the International System of Units (SI).
Working with National Metrology Institutes (NMIs), Designated Institutes (DIs) and international partners, the Department helps ensure that measurement results can be compared with confidence worldwide.
Where our work matters
The BIPM Chemistry Department supports measurement systems that provide confidence in results used across society.
Environment
Industrial gases, air quality and environmental monitoring.
Healthcare
Reliable laboratory tests used in healthcare.
Food
Reliable measurements of food composition and contaminants.
Diagnostics
Accurate measurements for patient care.
Explore the Department’s work
Explore the principal measurement programmes and international reference systems supported by the Department.
Supporting the community
The BIPM supports the international chemistry metrology community through capability building, international recognition and accessible technical resources.
Training and knowledge transfer
Supporting scientists through practical training, technical workshops, hands-on learning and international collaboration.
International recognition
Chemistry comparisons contribute evidence used to support internationally recognized measurement capabilities (CMCs) under the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Video explainers
Explore BIPM webinars, expert presentations and explainers on key topics in chemical and biological metrology.
Frequently asked questions
Find quick answers about the Chemistry Department’s programmes, international role and areas of work.
What does the BIPM Chemistry Department do?
The BIPM Chemistry Department develops and coordinates international comparisons on chemical and biochemical reference systems that support the international comparability of chemical and biological standards and measurement capabilities maintained by National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) and Designated Institutes (DIs) . These chemical and biological standards enable SI traceability to be achieved by laboratories worldwide.
What areas does the Chemistry Department work in?
The Department’s principal areas of work are gas metrology, organic and biochemical analysis, and laboratory medicine through its work with the JCTLM. These programmes support measurement needs in areas including the environment, healthcare, food and diagnostic testing.
How does the Department support internationally comparable measurements?
The Department coordinates international comparisons of reference measurement systems that allow NMIs and DIs to assess and demonstrate the equivalence of their measurement capabilities.
How does laboratory medicine fit into the Department’s work?
The Department supports metrological traceability in laboratory medicine by maintaining a global database of higher-order reference materials, reference measurement methods and services through the Joint Committee for Traceability in Laboratory Medicine (JCTLM).
Where can I find technical information from the Chemistry Department?
The Department’s work programme provides information on its current scientific activities. Chemistry comparison reports provide access to detailed comparison results, while internationally recognized measurement capabilities and comparison data can be explored through the KCDB.
International scientific coordination
Related committees and partnerships
The BIPM works through its Consultative Committees and international partnerships to bring together expertise and coordinate scientific work in key areas of metrology. For chemistry and biology, the CCQM provides the international forum for this cooperation; in laboratory medicine, the JCTLM brings together international organizations to support metrological traceability.
Explore the BIPM’s other Departments
Discover how the BIPM’s scientific and technical Departments work together to support the worldwide measurement system.
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