World Metrology Day: Metrology for Health

In these times of health crisis, our society's need for trust is all the greater. Metrology, the science of measurement, plays an indispensable role in guaranteeing this confidence. To mark World Metrology Day on 20 May, LNE, which runs the French National Metrology Network (RNMF), is offering you a selection of its work to illustrate the importance of metrology in our society.

« Measuring for health »

20 May is World Metrology Day, which celebrates the anniversary of the signing of the Metre Convention in 1875. The theme chosen for 2021 is "Measuring for Health". The aim is to raise awareness of the important role that measurement plays in this area, and therefore in the well-being of each and every one of us.

Around the world, national metrology institutes are constantly evolving the science of measurement by developing and validating new measurement techniques at the required level of sophistication.

In France, the Laboratoire National de Métrologie et d'Essais (LNE) and the laboratories of the RNMF work every day to create confidence through reliable measurements, both in the field of health care and in diagnostics, as in the case of work on the measurement of gold nanoparticles in the context of cancer treatment.

Metrology is all the more important when it comes to improving diagnosis. Metrologists are working to identify numerous biomarkers for improved diagnosis of diseases such as cardiovascular disease or Alzheimer's.

In addition, in these times of pandemic, when there are many uncertainties, metrology can provide answers and reliable data on, for example, the effectiveness of protective masks.

Lastly, LNE and the RNMF also offer their measurement expertise to public authorities to help them make decisions that have an impact on the health and safety of everyone.

To find out more, see a selection of subjects demonstrating the importance of metrology in our dossier. (in french only)