bipm strategic plan (2014) · 2014-07-23 · 2 bipm strategic planning executive summary the bipm...

BIPM Strategic Plan (2014)

July 2014

2 BIPM Strategic Planning

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The BIPM has developed a strategic plan to implement its Mission, Role and Objectives. This includes strategic priorities for 2013-2015 as well as detailed strategic plans for the medium term (2016-2019). It also declares aspirations for the BIPM in the long term.

This document is complementary to the strategic plans developed for each of the Consultative Committees of the CIPM. It has been reviewed by the CIPM.

It is foreseen that it will be open for review and refinement at subsequent meetings of the CIPM.

BIPM Strategic Planning 3

THE MISSION AND ROLE OF THE BIPM

The BIPM is an intergovernmental organization established by the Metre Convention, through which Member States act together on matters related to measurement science and measurement standards.

The mission of the BIPM is to ensure and promote the global comparability of measurements, including providing a coherent international system of units for:

• Scientific discovery and innovation,

• Industrial manufacturing and international trade,

• Sustaining the quality of life and the global environment.

The unique role of the BIPM is based on its international and impartial character enabling it:

• To coordinate the realization and improvement of the world-wide measurement system to ensure it delivers accurate and comparable measurement results.

• To undertake selected scientific and technical activities that are more efficiently carried out in its own laboratories on behalf of Member States.

• To promote the importance of metrology to science, industry and society, in particular through collaboration with other intergovernmental organizations and international bodies and in international forums.

The unique role of the BIPM enables it to achieve its mission by developing the technical and organizational infrastructure of the International System of Units (SI) as the basis for the world-wide traceability of measurement results. This is achieved both through technical activities in its laboratories and through international coordination.


THE OBJECTIVES OF THE BIPM

– To establish and maintain appropriate reference standards for use as the basis of a limited number of key international comparisons at the highest level.

– To coordinate international comparisons of national measurement standards through the Consultative Committees of the CIPM; taking the role of coordinating laboratory for selected comparisons of the highest priority and undertaking the scientific work necessary to enable this to be done.

– To provide selected calibrations for Member States.

– To coordinate activities between the NMIs of Member States, such as through the CIPM MRA1, and to provide technical services to support them.

– To liaise as required with relevant intergovernmental organizations2 and other international bodies3 both directly and through joint committees4.

– To organize scientific meetings to identify future developments in the world-wide measurement system required to meet existing and future measurement needs in industry, science and society.

– To inform, through publications and meetings, the science community, the wider scientific public and decision makers on matters related to metrology and its benefits.

1 The CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA) is coordinated jointly by the BIPM and the Regional Metrology Organizations. 2 Examples of intergovernmental organizations in liaison with the BIPM are: OIML, IAEA, WMO and WHO. 3 Examples of other international bodies in liaison with the BIPM are: ILAC and ISO. 4 Examples of joint committees are the Joint Committee on Guides on Metrology and the Joint Committee on Traceability in Laboratory Medicine.


Section 1 - Strategic Priorities for the short term (2013-2015)

The following strategic priorities for 2013-2015 were first presented in October 2013 to a meeting of NMI Directors and Representatives of Member States.

1. To identify and deliver the highest value activities required by the Member States by

– operating a Consolidated Planning Process that assembles the views of the CIPM and of the NMIs.

– developing a new and more effective approach to consulting on the content of the work programme.

– improving the planning and monitoring of the outcomes of projects in the work programme.

2. To respond to changing requirements whilst maintaining the unique role of the BIPM by

– attracting, retaining and motivating staff who are able to adapt and are recognized as being amongst the best in their fields.

– considering the need to obtain and maintain an optimum age distribution across staff .

3. To increase the effectiveness of the coordination and liaison activities of the BIPM by

– supporting the CIPM and the CC Presidents in achieving their objectives of prioritizing and streamlining the structure and operation of working groups, favouring those with the greatest strategic impact.

– revising the strategy for BIPM’s international liaison role

– supporting a review of the CIPM MRA carried out by an ad hoc working group of the CIPM.

4. To develop the staffing and funding environment at the BIPM to make it a preferred place for:

– staff to work on secondment from the NMIs on projects contributing to their own and the BIPM’s institutional priorities.

– third parties to provide in-kind support for additional project activities.


5. To optimize cost efficiency in the operation of the BIPM whilst maintaining its mission by

– developing a long-term financial plan together with plausible scenarios for decision by the CGPM.

– improving financial controls, and making increased use of independent expert actuarial and financial advice.

6. To improve the dissemination of information and increase transparency by

– delivering quicker and more focused publications.

– providing more information that is accessible “openly” from the website.


Section 2 – Detailed Strategic Plans for the Medium Term (2016-2019) and aspirations for the long term.

The detailed strategic plans address five areas that are driven by the BIPM Work Programme, together with two underpinning areas:

• Physical metrology

• Time metrology

• Metrology in chemistry and ionizing radiation in support of emerging global needs

• Liaison and coordination

• Communication and promotion

• People

• Infrastructure

The detailed strategy is presented for each area, together with the plans proposed for 2016-2019 and the aspirations for the long term.


Detailed Strategy Plans 2016-2019 Long Term

Physical Metrology

To provide a long-term primary realization of the kilogram.

To complete development of the BIPM watt balance by 2018 with a relative uncertainty of 0.1 ppm or better.

To select and implement the most accurate and efficient means of realizing the kilogram using either the XRCD or watt balance methods.

To coordinate a comparison of primary realizations held by NMIs to facilitate the mise en pratique for the kilogram.

To organize and coordinate a CCM pilot study of primary realizations of the kilogram according to the proposed mise en pratique before the redefinition.

To organize and coordinate an ongoing comparison of primary realizations of the kilogram according to the mise en pratique.

To support the dissemination of mass standards by providing:

• prototype Pt/Ir kilogram mass pieces (at cost), and

• calibrations of mass standards on request to NMIs.

To establish the BIPM Ensemble of Reference Standards as a means of providing traceability for BIPM 1 kg calibrations with highest possible accuracy.

To identify and maintain the most robust ensemble of reference mass standards as a means of providing traceability for BIPM 1 kg calibrations and as reference for an ongoing comparison of primary realizations.

To increase engagement of visiting scientists from NMIs in states with “emerging measurement systems” in the mass calibration activities at the BIPM.

To develop and provide on-site comparisons using travelling quantum electrical standards. To support the mise en pratique of the electrical units.

To continue the programme of on-site comparisons of electrical quantum standards and to increase support for the comparison programme of the CCEM. To determine RK with uncertainty below 1 part in 108 using the calculable capacitor and the ac quantum Hall effect.

To implement a new generation of compact and more versatile travelling quantum standards for on-site comparisons.

To exploit facilities at the BIPM by providing the highest-priority calibrations for electrical quantities requested by NMIs.

To maintain a portfolio of calibration services that exploit past investments in BIPM capabilities for the benefit of all NMIs. To increase engagement of visiting scientists from NMIs in states with “emerging measurement systems” in the electricity calibration activities at the BIPM.



Time Metrology

To calculate, disseminate and improve the world reference time scale through integrating data from atomic clocks at the NMIs.

To continue improving the world reference time scale through the integration of new independent time transfer techniques and refined algorithms. To integrate all Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) into a combined-link solution for clock comparison in UTC.

To provide a near to real time UTC.

To investigate the benefits of a future re-definition of the second and of time-keeping based on optical clocks.

To study and support the implementation of novel time and frequency transfer techniques for the comparison of highly accurate optical standards. To access the results of the Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space (ACES) experiment in view of the future application of the microwave link for time and frequency transfer.

To support a redefinition of the second based on optical transitions. To adapt the infrastructure for time scale maintenance and dissemination to the new redefinition of the second.

To promote the importance and benefits to the international telecommunications, astronomy and earth science communities of: UTC,

– frequency measurements traceable to the SI and

– common space-time references.

To pursue and enhance interaction with national and international organizations and user communities aiming at providing a set of consistent space-time references traceable to the SI.

To provide the unique, continuous time scale for world time coordination.



Metrology in chemistry and ionizing radiation in support of emerging global needs To coordinate a limited set of key comparisons for measurands that require the highest accuracies, stable long-term reference values and exemplify the most important competencies in their fields. Selected to address areas of the greatest global importance including:

Reference standards of the most potent greenhouse gases and selected air quality gases to underpin traceability for global climate monitoring and population protection.

To demonstrate improved consistency, at the 0.02 % level, between national gas standards for carbon dioxide in air.

To reduce uncertainties in greenhouse gas comparison methods for differences between standards below the 0.01 % level. To demonstrate that the relative standard deviation of measurement results from twenty national surface ozone standards are maintained at the 0.1 % level. To work towards the world-wide implementation of corrected ozone absorption cross section values with uncertainties reduced by a factor of three. To demonstrate improved consistency between national gas standards for nitrogen monoxide and nitrogen dioxide and improved quantification and control of impurities.

To improve applications of synthetic calibration methods for FTIR quantification of gas impurities with target relative standard uncertainties of better than 1 %.

To demonstrate the consistency of national standards at levels required for long-term global monitoring of air quality and the climate through a portfolio of comparisons including: CO2, CH4, N2O, HCHO, NOx, O3. To demonstrate consistency between national gas standards for nitrogen monoxide and nitrogen dioxide to meet data quality objectives for global atmospheric and emissions monitoring.

To facilitate technology transfer and measurement method development in gas metrology to visiting scientists from NMIs in states with “emerging measurement systems”.


Reference materials of pure organic materials to underpin the world-wide requirement for traceability in key sectors (e.g. laboratory medicine, forensic science and food quality).

To demonstrate improved consistency in the values and measurement capabilities for pure organic standards of low structural complexity (100 Da to500 Da) and low polarity, including poly-aromatic hydrocarbons, non-polar pesticides or pharmaceutical residues, steroids and non-polar vitamins. To demonstrate improved consistency in the values and measurement capabilities for pure organic standards of low structural complexity and high polarity, and organic calibrant solutions of high polarity compounds in polar solvents, including illicit drugs, polar vitamins and pharmaceuticals and health marker metabolites. To demonstrate improved consistency in the values and measurement capabilities for the purity assignment of pure peptides intended for use as primary calibrators for clinical chemistry, laboratory medicine and pharmaceutical manufacturing applications, including peptides with cross links and an atomic mass of up to 5 kDa. To demonstrate improved methodology and consistency between laboratories applying quantitative NMR for organic standard purity analysis with target relative differences smaller than 0.1 %.

To demonstrate the consistency of national capabilities and standards at levels required for reference measurement systems through a portfolio of comparisons for small molecule organic primary calibrators (up to 1 kDa), as well as large molecule organic primary calibrators, both linear and cross-linked, (up to 10 kDa).

To facilitate technology transfer and measurement method development on organic primary calibrators to visiting scientists from NMIs in states with “emerging measurement systems”.


Reference measurements of dose to underpin the world-reference system for radiotherapy, radioprotection and radio-diagnostics.

To maintain 6 BIPM ongoing comparisons of:

- air kerma for x-rays, mammography, and 60Co, 137Cs beams.

- absorbed dose to water for 60Co.

To maintain 2 on-site ongoing comparisons of:

- absorbed dose to water for high-energy photon beams.

- air kerma for HDR 192Ir sources.

To implement new comparisons of: - Absorbed dose to water for medium-

energy x-rays (developed in 2013-2015).

- air kerma for LDR 125I seeds.

To follow up the evolving needs and trends in dosimetry (new sources, treatments, quantities) to be addressed in the future.

To operate a unique world-wide system of high-stability reference instruments and facilities and thereby permanently to offer, whenever requested, a basic set of 10 ongoing comparisons for X-rays, mammography, radiotherapy and radioprotection quantities and qualities.

To develop and implement new facilities and appropriate standards as required to maintain excellence in responding to new comparison needs in:

- high-energy electron dosimetry and brachytherapy.

- novel radiation sources and treatments (small fields, molecular radiotherapy, dynamic treatments).

- new quantities to account for radiobiological effects.

To optimize the use of resources (facilities, skills, capabilities) at the NMIs and the BIPM by:

- mutual exchange of visitors to develop joint projects on new materials for detectors and new standards,

- improving the knowledge and technical feedback to address emerging global needs in health, industry, energy and environment.

To exploit the BIPM comparison facilities and expertise to maintain a portfolio of calibration services and technical advice on ionizing radiation standards and measurements, for the benefit of all NMIs and the IAEA/WHO SSDL network.


Reference measurements for radioactivity to underpin the world reference system for human health, environmental protection and nuclear energy applications.

To maintain the Système International de Référence (SIR) for ongoing permanent comparisons of activity of more than 70 γ- and β- emitting radionuclides. To maintain the on-site ongoing SIRTI (SIR-transfer instrument) comparisons for short-lived PET-type radionuclides (99mTc, 18F). To extend SIR to α-particle emitters (241Am, 223Ra, 211At, 238Pu, 210Po) and SIRTI to additional short-lived radionuclides (11C, 64Cu, 68Ga, 211At, 56Mn). To set up the operational capability for low-level activity measurements of γ and β emitters using the primary 4πβ-γ (anti)coincidence and TDCR LS counting systems and a 4πγ detector.

To operate a world-wide unique BIPM Extended SIR for permanent (on request) ongoing comparisons of activity of more than 100 α-, β- and γ-radionuclides, demanded in nuclear medicine therapy and imaging, environmental survey and nuclear cycle applications. To implement a low-level activity comparisons programme for environmental reference materials (NORM, nuclear cycle) for international cooperation.

To reduce the extent of engagement by the NMIs as pilots or participants in comparisons in support of CMCs, by:

- developing joint projects and mutual exchanges of visitors, in order to optimize the use of resources and to enhance the BIPM radionuclide comparison services for maximum benefit to the NMIs.

- promoting and supporting the reduction of the total number of comparisons needed through further updates of the CCRI(II) Measurements Method Matrix (MMM) and the 10-year Rolling Plan.



Liaison and Coordination To foster cooperation with international organizations and to promote the world-wide comparability of measurement.

To implement a “portfolio” approach to liaison and coordination: – Maintaining a balanced evaluation &

prioritization process for existing liaison and coordination activities (recognizing resource limitations, and that institutional and “door opening” roles differ).

– Evaluating and responding to opportunities for new liaison and coordination initiatives.

To increase participation by International Organisations in technical coordination activities at the BIPM including CCs and their working groups, and greater recognition by IOs of the value of SI traceable measurements. To establish secondments to and from key IOs.

To liaise with the NMIs of Member States and the Regional Metrology Organizations (RMOs).

To convene regular meetings of RMOs to support the development of a global perspective on key issues. To build best practice where possible on the experience of the RMOs, particularly in the support of states with emerging measurement systems.

To organize a process for the formulation of the BIPM work programme that ensures it addresses the agreed Mission and Role of the BIPM.

To initiate formulation of proposals for the BIPM 2020 to 2023 Work Programme that builds on progress made in 2013/14 and reviews the established criteria for engaging in laboratory and coordination work.

To continue to refine and improve interaction with all BIPM stakeholders in the development of proposals for BIPM’s Work Programmes.

To develop and implement new mechanisms to ensure that the benefits of the Metre Convention are shared widely.

To develop a proposal for a BIPM Visitor Programme that can strengthen the world-wide metrology infrastructure by building the necessary human and institutional components in those Member States that do not have a well-developed metrology infrastructure

To evaluate the effectiveness of the BIPM Visitor Programme, and implement necessary improvements.


To improve and promote the mutual recognition of national measurement standards and of calibration and measurement certificates issued by NMIs (the CIPM MRA), particularly by operation of the KCDB and supporting the JCRB.

To increase participation in the activities of the Metre Convention. To increase opportunities for Member States with emerging masurement systems, encouraging “prospective Member States” to make the transition from Associate to Member State. To implement the results of the CIPM MRA review in 2015 leading to streamlined operation if the CIPM MRA and a new KCDB database.

To improve the balance of engagement and opportunities across all Member States when participating in the activities of the Metre Convention. To provide the best available IT facilities to support the CIPM MRA and to ensure the widest possible uptake of the KCDB.

To develop and implement best practice in the support of the Consultative Committees and Joint Committees through the provision of Executive Secretaries.

To implement a succession planning process for CC Executive Secretaries. To improve the effectiveness of the CCs by strengthening common practice across them.

To continue to adapt to the evolving landscape, and provide qualified and experienced staff from the BIPM to meet the needs of CCs.

Detailed Strategy Plans 2016-2019 Long Term Communication and Promotion

To communicate effectively (with Member States, potential new Member States and other key stakeholders) about the Metre Convention, the SI and the the expected “new SI”.

To continue open and transparent communication with stakeholder communities including NMI Directors and Representatives of the Member States. To continue the “open access” policy for BIPM and CC documents – with a target of 80 % BIPM open access by 2018. To improve the articulation of the benefits of participation as Member States to Associate States.


To develop and implement a communication strategy to support changes to the SI and respond effectively to queries from inside and outside the metrology community. To build on the success of World Metrology Day, doubling participation through all media by 2019.

To continue to communicate the benefits of the “new SI”.

To promote the importance of the global comparability of measurements with international organizations of strategic importance to the BIPM Mission including: OIML, ILAC, ISO, WTO-TBT.

To implement a strategy of shared representation with partner organizations. To review all MoUs with IOs. To engage with the review of ISO/IEC 17025.

To maximize the benefits of shared representation.

To consult widely with the NMIs and RMOs to exploit new communication opportunities.

To establish “best practice” amongst the NMIs for the use of social media and receive their recommendations for BIPM involvement.

To monitor the impact of the BIPM’s activities.

To commission regular impact studies.

To inform, the science community, the wider scientific public and decision makers on matters related to metrology and its benefits through publications and meetings.

To maintain the much improved circulation and impact factor of Metrologia. To monitor the move towards “open access” (option implemented in 2013). To broaden the reach of Metrologia by attracting submission of metrological papers from disciplines that have not historically looked to publish in Metrologia. To progress to the next generation content

To ensure success of Metrologia as the key scientific publication for high level metrology. To increase the number of annual issues from 6 to 10. To adapt effectively to the rapidly changing world of electronic media to ensure that the website portrays an up-to-date image of the BIPM.


management system to improve the functionality and effectiveness of the BIPM website.

To aim to be the portal of choice for all stakeholders seeking information on world-wide metrology.


People To support the ethos and working practices of an international organization.

To follow “best practice” in staff training and development.

To strengthen the performance review system as a basis for career and salary progression. To develop detailed succession plans for all critical posts.

To increase the skill mix and experience available at the BIPM.

To increase the number of opportunities for visitors from NMIs to work on secondment at the BIPM.

To increase opportunities for BIPM staff to be seconded to NMIs.

Infrastructure To provide necessary support functions in the most efficient way, whilst respecting the unique challenges of the BIPM as an international organization. To ensure that the BIPM meeting facilities which support the CCs and WGs continue to be “best in class”.

To aim to be able to host all CC and WG meetings on the BIPM campus through increased use of electronic participation where necessary.

To provide electronic access to all key meetings on a routine basis.

To develop the laboratory environment to sustain the BIPM Work Programme.

To complete the upgrade of facilities in the Observatoire (2016), and “RI building” (2018).

To review the use of and renovate where necessary the “Laser building” and “Nouveau Pavillon”.

To ensure BIPM laboratories maintain ‘best in class’ scientific capabilities.

To extend NMI based collaborations in support of the BIPM work programme. To leverage external funding opportunities to add value to the BIPM core programme

To develop the BIPM IT infrastructure to support its mission.

To implement best-available technology for document sharing.

To upgrade the BIPM document storage and network systems (using cloud technology if appropriate).


To support the increased use of electronic participation in meetings at the BIPM.

To maintain the heritage buildings and estate at a level consistent with the mission of the BIPM.

To implement a strategy for increased use of heritage buildings and grounds.


Acronyms

ACES Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space

BIPM International Bureau of Weights and Measures

CC Consultative Committee

CCEM Consultative Committee for Electricity and Magnetism

CCM Consultative Committee for Mass and Related Quantities

CCRI Consultative Committee for Ionizing Radiation

CGPM General Conference on Weights and Measures

CIPM MRA CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement

CIPM International Committee for Weights and Measures

CMC Calibration and Measurement Capabilities

FTIR Fourier Transformed InfraRed

GNSS Global Navigation Satellite Systems

HDR High dose rate

IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency

IEC International Electrotechnical Commission

ILAC International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation

IOs International Organizations

ISO International Organization for Standardization

IT Information Technology

JCRB Joint Committee of the Regional Metrology Organizations and the BIPM

KCDB BIPM key comparison database

LDR Low dose rate

mep mise en pratique

MMM Measurements Method Matrix

MoU Memorandum of understanding

NMI National Metrology Institute

NMR Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

NORM Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material

OIML International Organization of Legal Metrology

RMO Regional Metrology Organization


SI International System of Units

SIR International Reference system

SIRTI Transfer Instrument of the International Reference System

SSDL Secondary Standards Dosimetry Laboratories

TDCR LS Triple to Double Coincidence Ratio (TDCR) liquid scintillation (LS)

UTC Coordinated Universal Time

WHO World Health Organization

WMO World Meteorological Organization

WTO-TBT World Trade Organization – Technical Barriers to Trade

XRCD X-ray Crystal Density

bipm strategic plan (2014) · 2014-07-23 · 2 bipm strategic planning executive summary the bipm...

Documents