SCIENTIFIC METROLOGY – KNOWLEDGE WITHOUT BORDERS
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Scientific metrology is the foundation of all modern technology — from space exploration to smartphones. It connects scientists and engineers around the world so that everyone uses the same accurate and verifiable measurements. Thanks to metrology, the world becomes safer, more innovative, and fairer for all.
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Scientific metrology develops the methods and instruments that ensure the highest possible accuracy of measurement. It deals with research, international comparisons, and the definitions of measurement units, and the results achieved through scientific metrology are embedded in every new technology.
In Europe, the leading organisation in this field is EURAMET — the association of national metrology institutes and the regional metrology organisation of the BIPM. EURAMET coordinates research projects, international metrological comparisons, and the European Metrology Networks (EMNs). Croatia is represented in EURAMET by the State Office for Metrology (DZM), together with the Croatian national measurement standards laboratories (NMLs).
Croatian NMLs are located at the following institutions:
• mass and density – State Office for Metrology (DZM)
• length – University of Zagreb, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, Laboratory for Precise Length Measurement (FSB-LPMD)
• pressure, temperature and humidity – University of Zagreb, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, Laboratory for Process Measurement (FSB-LPM)
• electrical quantities – University of Zagreb, FER, Primary Electromagnetic Laboratory (PEL)
• force – University of Zagreb, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, Laboratory for Mechanical Properties Testing (FSB-LIMS)
• ionising radiation – Ruđer Bošković Institute, Secondary Standard Dosimetry Laboratory (SSDL)
• ozone concentration and gas mixtures – Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ)
(Visual 1: Calibration of thermometers at high temperatures / Source: FSB-LPM)
(Visual 2: Laboratory for Precise Length Measurement / Source: FSB-LPMD)
(Visual 3: Interferometric length measurement / Source: FSB-LPMD)
A key role in connecting experts globally is also played by IMEKO — the international measurement federation that brings together scientists and engineers through conferences and technical publications, promoting knowledge exchange and cooperation. Croatia is represented in IMEKO by the Croatian Metrology Society (HMD).
(Visual 4: IMEKO emblem / Source: IMEKO – International Measurement Federation)
A particular strength of the Croatian NMLs lies in their participation in international research programmes such as EMPIR and the European Partnership on Metrology. Through these projects, Croatian scientists contribute their expertise and develop new measurement methods in collaboration with leading European institutes. For example, they have participated in the development of new types of thermometers and other advanced sensors. Such projects connect our laboratories with the European scientific network and bring the latest knowledge and technologies to Croatia, making everyday life safer, more efficient, and more sustainable.
(Visual 5: Hydrogen storage tanks from the EMPIR project “Metrology for Advanced Hydrogen Storage Solutions”, developed in collaboration with the national metrology institutes of Germany, the Czech Republic, and the United Kingdom / Source: EURAMET)