science & technology
06
Kathleen Sebelius
Backing healthcare reform
with sound science
Race towards
the machine
Why robots could have an
extraordinary role in our future
Angel Gurría
Achieving binding climate
agreements in Cancun
Supachai Panitchpakdi
Reaching full potential
from ICT
Janez Potoc
ˇnik
Agreeing stronger targets
on biodiversity loss
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Public Service Review: Science and Technology: issue 6
T
he Copenhagen Accord is a hard-fought politicalagreement and includes most of the key elements of a climate deal.
First, consider greenhouse gas mitigation. For countries listed in the Accord the targets and actions for the first time entail commitments by both developed and developing countries. However, more ambitious targets will be needed to limit the temperature rise to 2°C. OECD analysis shows that industrialised countries’ declared targets (as of early February 2010) would reduce their emissions collectively by – at most –18% by 2020 compared with 1990 levels, below the 25-40% reduction that science says is needed to stay within a 2°C temperature increase. OECD will help both developed and developing countries by identifying ways to step up their emission reductions and grow the economy.
Second, on financing climate change, Copenhagen delivered agreement for initial fast-start finance of US$30bn for 2010-2012, and a longer-term perspective for advanced countries to mobilise US$100bn per year by 2020. The new Copenhagen Green Climate Fund will be critical for building trust and cooperation between developed and developing countries.
Third, the agreement includes general principles for the measurement, reporting and verification of targets, actions and finance – an essential element to ensure transparency and accountability.
There is considerable work to be done on the path between COP15 in Copenhagen and COP16 in Cancun later this year. The world is looking to build on the Copenhagen Accord by developing the mechanisms, rules and systems to put into practice the various elements agreed in the Accord. The crucial question during 2010 is how to bridge the interests of industrialised, emerging economies and developing countries. Building on its expertise, the OECD, together with our sister organisation, the IEA, is already supporting countries on the road to COP16 in key areas relevant to the climate negotiations. We are working on how to broaden a global carbon market, including the
design of effective cap-and-trade schemes that can be linked, and encouraging developing country engagement in carbon markets. We will also step up our analysis of how to integrate adaptation to climate change into all aspects of economic development, including how to assist developing countries to climate-proof their economies. And we will work with countries to better understand how actions to reduce emissions and financing for climate change can be measured, reported and verified in comparable ways.
A key issue in the international discussions will be ensuring that the agreed finance is forthcoming. It can be done. A crucial step will be to set the right price for carbon to encourage private investment for a low-carbon economy. For example, OECD analysis found that the proper mix of policies to price carbon could reduce emissions by 20% in developed countries by 2020 and raise revenues equivalent to some 2.5% of their GDP. A fraction of that amount would be enough to reach the finance levels agreed in Copenhagen. OECD is working with governments to advance such market and other policy options that will also help to stimulate the innovation, technology diffusion and transfer of technologies to support climate mitigation and adaptation in both developing and developed countries. OECD stands ready to contribute to progress in Cancun towards building the key elements of a forward looking, fair and ambitious international agreement on climate change.
Foreword
Angel Gurría
Secretary-General, Organisation for Economic
Co-operation and Development (OECD)
4 Public Service Review: Science and Technology: issue 6
A
sk an expert to imagine the future, and apredictable chain of events might ensue: excitement, great anticipation, and then even greater disappointment. For where are the flying cars, floating bicycles, or colonies of intergalactic settlers we were promised in the Seventies? Or the robotic butler who percolates your coffee, walks your dog and vacuums your living room that we were assured just a decade later? On the flip side, modern society is so saturated with the fantastical that what might have seemed preposterous 20 years ago – cloning, grid computing, nanotechnology – is today greeted with a nonchalant shrug.
But is it now time to sit up and listen? Prominent robotics professionals certainly think so. Writing in our opening feature, they foresee incredible impacts in travel, medicine, space exploration, defence and more.
This edition of Public Service Review: Science and Technology, the first of 2010, also turns the spotlight onto present day challenges. Following the appointment of Máire Geoghegan-Quinn as Commissioner for Science, Innovation and Research, we have invited some of Europe’s leading scientific minds to spell out what they see as the goals she must work to achieve.
The list they give is as daunting as it is extensive – it includes addressing bureaucracy, interdisciplinarity, female participation, security and the enhancement of education systems.
A clear problem for Geoghegan-Quinn from the outset will be in strengthening the European Research Area. A lack of infrastructure and coordination between member states is a real cause for concern and one that the Commissioner must address if Europe is to continue to compete on the international stage, and to lead the world in burgeoning scientific fields.
Important, too, will be the mobilisation of a greater response to grand challenges such as climate change. As
Angel Gurría writes in the foreword, there is a task to deliver market and policy options that can stimulate innovation, diffuse technology and transfer technologies. Greater collaboration at international level is one way to achieve this. Such an approach is recognised by President Obama’s Health Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, who, in an exclusive article, emphasises the importance of backing policy with sound science.
Another way is in enabling platforms for integration between social science and natural science. Articles throughout this issue show that these goals need not be mutually exclusive, and that unlike the flying car, they are outcomes we can realistically achieve with the right motivation.
Introduction
Adam Gristwood
Senior Editor
agristwood@publicservice.co.uk
F O R E W O R D 3
Angel Gurría, Secretary-General (OECD) . . . 3
I N T R O D U C T I O N 4
Adam Gristwood, Senior Editor . . . 4
D I G E S T 9
Mechanical marvels. . . 9
Many leading scientists believe that an exciting new future is within our grasp – robots that will defend and labour for us, transport and cure us, and explore our universe for us could be just around the corner. Here, prominent robotics experts explain why
Dear Máire Geoghegan-Quinn… . . . 14
In landing the position of Europe’s Research Commissioner, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn has become one of the most powerful people in European research. But what do Europe’s leading scientific minds think of the challenges the Commissioner must face up to? And what must she do in order to achieve them? Our panel of experts point to the big issues that they want Commissioner Geoghegan-Quinn to act on
C O N T E N T S
R E S E A R C H S P E C I A L F E A T U R E 14 N A T I O N A L P E R S P E C T I V E S 22 G E R M A N YA learning launch pad . . . 22
Encouraging tomorrow’s experts at an early age is key to German prosperity, believes Federal Ministry of Education and Research State Secretary Cornelia Quennet-Thielen
The next regeneration . . . 30
Public Service Review highlights the US-Germany Science and Technology Agreement, a collaboration that could yield major medicinal and
healthcare breakthroughs
S W I T Z E R L A N D
The Geneva inventions . . . 34
Dieter Imboden, President of the National Research Council of the Swiss National Science Foundation, explains how Switzerland encourages scientific research
Stem cells, Swiss made . . . 37
The time is now to make thoughtful investment in stem cell research, proposes the University of Geneva Medical School’s Professor Ariel Ruiz i Altaba
D E N M A R K
The PhD push . . . 38
Chair Peter Olesen outlines the Danish Council for Strategic Research’s goals toward supporting Danish businesses and universities to improve and compete
I R E L A N D
Smarter = stronger . . . 41
Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Conor Lenihan describes how building a smart economy can make Ireland an innovation and commercialisation hub in Europe
Isle of activity . . . 46
Director General of the Science Foundation Ireland Professor Frank Gannon reflects on the role science and research has played in strengthening the country’s economy
Small scale, big impact . . . 52
Science Foundation Ireland’s Dr Michael Ryan and Professor Fionn Murtagh gauge the significance of emerging areas of nanotechnology for investment
S P A I N
Recovery on campus . . . 56
Minister for Education Angel Gabilondo Pujol highlights the importance of Spanish universities in developing research essential to tackle economic and societal challenges
T H E N E T H E R L A N D S
It’s life science, but not as we know it . . . 62
Frans Martens, from the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research, tells Public Service Review why earth and life sciences are studied side by side
L U X E M B O U R G
Limitations and expectations . . . 65
The Integrated Biobank of Luxembourg’s Patrizia Luchetta and Jean-Claude Schmit explore the opportunities in biomedical research for a small-sized country
A U S T R I A
Sparkling Science . . . 72
Beatrix Karl, Austrian Minister for Science and Research, illustrates how the Austrian government is getting more young people interested in science
Ready for take-off? . . . 78
Christoph Kratky, President of the Austrian Science Fund, outlines the funding challenges involved in implementing Austria’s research strategy
S W E D E N
Sources of interest . . . 80
The SSF’s Jan Fahleson and Inger Florin highlight the life science research of strategic relevance for Sweden, both scientifically and industrially
Illustrating endeavour . . . 102
In an interview with Senior Editor Adam Gristwood, the University of California’s Marko Peljhan advocates the linkage of art and science in facing today’s global challenges
The age of instability . . . 104
Alex Adriaansens, Director of the V2_Institute for the Unstable Media, reveals how fleeting seconds of interconnection have profound influences on all our lives
When worlds collide. . . 106
Professor Regina Henze, of HBK Braunschweig University of Art, examines the evolving relationship between the academic fields of science and culture
S C I E N C E A N D A R T
102
Bridging the digital divide . . . 130
UNCTAD Secretary-General Supachai Panitchpakdi considers leveraging ICTs for economic development
The wireless way forward . . . 132
Dr Fiona Williams, Chairperson of the eMobility Technology Platform, looks towards the 2020 vision of 50 billion mobile devices
Hi-tech values . . . 138
De Montford University Professor Bernd Stahl describes how an EU FP7 project is helping to identify the ethics of emerging technologies
Moving on at PRACE . . . 140
‘World-class science on world-class systems’ is the mantra for the latest tier of supercomputing in Europe, explains Anni Jakobsson, of CSC - IT Center for Science
Getting a grid on data . . . 141
The rich diversity of research projects in Europe will need huge computer resources, but a solution is at hand, details Danielle Venton, of Enabling Grids for E-sciencE
A telecomms transformation . . . 142
Mícheál Ó Foghlú, Executive Director of Research at TSSG, explores the opportunities presented by IMS in the development of Next Generation Networks
I C T
130
Create or conform? . . . 108
In an interview with Senior Editor Adam Gristwood, ICSU Executive Director Deliang Chen explains why universal interdisciplinarity is the key to taking science forward
The change challenge . . . 112
Dr Stefan Schaltegger and Jutta Grünberg-Bochard, of Leuphana Universität Lüneburg, explore what is needed to educate and support change agents for sustainable development
A free speech focus . . . 114
Open access is not a threat but an opportunity to improve scientific quality assurance, explains the European Geosciences Union’s Ulrich Pöschl
U N I V E R S I T I E S A N D R E S E A R C H
108
Measure for measure . . . 116
EURAMET Chair Professor Leslie Pendrill gauges the timing and significance of the new European Metrology Research programme
Uncertainty rules . . . 118
Dr Heikki Isotalo, Director of the Centre for Metrology and Accreditation, considers the current direction of travel for the science of measurement
M E A S U R E M E N T S C I E N C E
116
Hungary for knowledge . . . 90
Hungary has taken the first steps in building a 21st Century knowledge economy, as Istvan Vargra, the country’s Minister for National Development and Economy, explains
H U N G A R Y
Bio-benefits. . . 98
France Biotech’s Andre Choulika and David Sourdive, of Cellectis, explore how rational domestication of wild strains and species is extending the applications of biotechnology
F R A N C E
Israeli intelligence . . . 93
Public Service Review reflects on collaborations that have strengthened Israel’s standing within the international scientific community
The issues with tissue . . . 94
The Technion’s Professor Dror Seliktar reviews the obstacles facing tissue engineering and calls for novel approaches that will result in clinically viable therapies
I S R A E L
Subject to change . . . 82
Public Service Review turns the spotlight onto the Minister of Science and Higher Education’s agenda for shifting Poland’s academic focus
to the sciences
Independent thinking . . . 88
Professor Maciej Z˙ylicz, President of the Foundation for Polish Science, discusses the challenge of developing an advanced science and research infrastructure
P O L A N D
The synergy for success . . . 119
The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology’s Professor Dr Viola Vogel asks: What is missing for Europe to take effective leadership in human health related initiatives?
Into the unknown . . . 122
Should we be afraid of nanotechnology? DG SANCO’s Vladimir Garkov, Laurent Bontoux and Philippe Martin consider what is needed to build public trust
An atomic boom . . . 128
Markku Leskelä, of the University of Helsinki, heralds the prospects for success in the application of ALD technology
119 N A N O T E C H N O L O G YA N D M A T E R I A L S C I E N C E
E N E R G Y A N D O I L 148
Over a barrel? . . . 148
Commentators warn that we could face an oil supply shock before 2015. What might the social and economic impacts be in a post-peak world? And how should governments react? Two leading experts take up the debate
E A R T H S Y S T E M S 154
A planet under pressure . . . 154
Janez Potoˇcnik, European Commissioner for the Environment, sets out why climate change, biodiversity loss and natural resource depletion must be taken seriously
Never Netherlands . . . 159
Public Service Review looks at Dutch efforts to preserve the national environment and protect vulnerable creatures under threat of extinction
Facing the scientific facts . . . 162
As activists and politicians take sides, where is the traditionally sceptical scientist in the equation? Peter Haugan, Director of the Geophysical Institute, investigates
Alpine aid . . . 163
A holistic approach is required to protect people and nature from the consequences of climate change in Bavaria, says AdaptAlp’s Dr Marion Damm
The water’s edge. . . 164
LMU’s Professor Dr Ralf Ludwig and BayFOR’s Dr Thomas Ammerl outline the project focusing on the significance of climate induced changes in water resources
M A R I N E 166
Blue growth, green economy . . . 166
European Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs Maria Damanaki describes how the Maritime Policy can safeguard Europe’s coastal heritage
On a fishing frequency . . . 170
DG MARE Director-General Fokion Fotiadis assesses the use of sound in marine surveying and its possible impacts on aquatic life
Health and the high seas . . . 172
Kristina Gjerde, of the IUCN Global Marine Program, explores the challenges and describes the progress towards a network of marine protected areas
F O R E S T R Y 176
Ripe for growth* . . . 176
Post-Copenhagen, it’s time to put forests centre stage if we’re to save the planet, writes Tim Rollinson, Director-General of the British Forestry Commission
At the top of the tree. . . 180
SILVA Network Vice-President Siegfried Lewark highlights how higher forestry education is meeting societal demands, and why it is needed now more than ever
S P E C I A L F O C U S 204
Serving science, saving lives . . . 204
Within the first months of his administration, President Barack Obama acted quickly to place science at the centre of policy-making. Here, US Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius considers the impact that this approach has had on healthcare in America, and how the US and Europe can benefit from closer cooperation in tackling the challenges ahead
A G R I C U L T U R E 182
Give bees a chance . . . 182
Dr Ian Gibson, former Chair of the Commons Science and Technology Select Committee, describes the fight to increase bee health research funding
A feather in the CAP . . . 184
Mariann Fischer Boel, Former European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, reflects on the progress made during her tenure
Opposing an outbreak . . . 191
IFAH-Europe Managing Director Declan O’Brien considers the importance of planning against the increasing incidence of diseases on the move
A valid licence. . . 196
Dr Hans Spoolder and Dr Paul Ingenbleek, of Wageningen University and Research Centres, share their thoughts on improving farm animal welfare in Europe
Coordinating the crop . . . 198
Professor Monica Höfte, of the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering at Ghent University, offers insight into agricultural research in Flanders
Through the keyhole . . . 202
The National Food Administration Director-General Inger Andersson charts the journey of the food labelling system helping Nordic consumers to shop and eat more healthily
Notes from Copenhagen: Hopenhagen or Brokenhagen? . . . 144
Anthony Giddens’ impact upon sociology and politics has been profound. His advice has been sought by political leaders from Asia, Latin America and Australia, as well as from the US and Europe. Here, the author of ‘The Politics of Climate Change’ candidly reveals his priorites for ensuring that Copenhagen fulfils its potential over the coming years
Beyond Copenhagen . . . 146
Secretary-General Michel Jarraud highlights the World Meteorological Organization’s role in developing a global framework for climate services
E N V I R O N M E N T
H E A L T H
O V E R V I E W 144
Embryonic ethics. . . 208
Alan Moy MD, Director and Founder of the John Paul II Stem Cell Research Institute, sets out why he is opposed to embryonic stem cell research
Investing, evolving. . . 210
Dr Ruxandra Draghia-Akli, Director of the European Commission’s Directorate General for Research, charts the healthcare achievements of the 7th Framework Programme so far
Facts, faith and funding . . . 212
Highlighting the US and European Commission’s stance on a contentious issue, Public Service Review assesses the current state of play regarding stem cell research
Articles marked * are Crown Copyright and are reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and the Queen’s Printer for Scotland. Articles marked ** are Parliamentary Copyright. Their inclusion does not, however, indicate that this journal is published by or on behalf of any government department.
The age of bioscience . . . 219
Professor Douglas Kell, Chief Executive of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, explains efforts to improve understanding of ageing
The ageing process . . . 221
Director of the Institute for Ageing and Health Professor Tom Kirkwood urges a significant expansion of the UK research capacity in the field in order to progress
A G E I N G R E S E A R C H
219
Flow to the brain . . . 222
Professor Dr Monica Di Luca and Professor Dr Helmut Kettenmann discuss the pivotal role of FENS, and the need for greater investment to promote neuroscience in Europe
N E U R O S C I E N C E
222
A timely donation . . . 228
President of the European Transplant Co-ordinators Organisation Rui Maio sheds light on achieving self-sufficiency in organ transplantation
T R A N S P L A N T A T I O N
228
Lipid lockdown . . . 230
Gerd Schmitz, Head of the Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, explores lipid overload and lipotoxicity in metabolic overload diseases
B I O B A N K I N G
230
Cutting costs, not quality . . . 232
Technology assessment is the key to better health services in Europe, say SBU’s Professor Måns Rosén, Susanna Allgurin Neikter, Ingemar Eckerlund and Sophie Werkö
I N F O R M A T I O N T E C H N O L O G Y
232
Getting to know… Graham Bell . . . 234
One of Britain’s most successful skiers, Graham Bell, as well as his brother Martin dominated the skiing world until their retirement from competition. Graham is now an accomplished BBC presenter, as well as an Ambassador for Special Olympics Great Britain and a member of the National Olympic Committee. Here he answers questions about his achievements, inspirations and why he has a love for science
S P E C I A L F E A T U R E 234 Index . . . 238 Managing Editor Lisa Carnwell Senior Editor Adam Gristwood Commissioning Editor Laura Evans Subeditor Emily Hawkes Editorial Assistant Nick Price Proofreaders Jane Oliver Andrea Ford Jean Bell Head of Production Melissa Lewis Production Manager Chloe Arrowsmith Production Coordinators Nick Wilde Stephanie Cowie Head of Design Carl Waine Head of Studio Emma Stringer Senior Design Coordinator Andrew Bosworth Senior Designers Phil Kelsall Kelly Burgess Designer Kathryn Dale Junior Designer Denise Johnson
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T
he global ‘Grand Challenges’ of today’s society – from climate change to economic recession – can be met by science and technology, as is well-known to most readers. Perhaps less well-known is a part of society’s technological infrastructure, not as visible as the universities or industries, but omnipresent and with a long tradition reaching as far back as the Old Testament – namely quality assured measurement or ‘metrology’. ‘You are to use accurate scales’ [Ezekiel 45:10] is just as relevant, and metrology is indeed flourishing in response to today’s challenges. Europe has realised this and is currently investing in a major new €400m metrology research programme (EMRP)1, engaging over 20 countries as oneof the most integrated collaborations in the flagship European Research Area (ERA).
To have close and secure access to accurate measurements that are traceable to the International System of Units (SI) (metre, kilogram, second, etc.) is a prerequisite for a modern industrial society, whatever sector is considered. Business and society are making increasing demands on measurements in terms of complexity, combined with higher accuracy, often to meet the Grand Challenges. The support that quality assured measurement (‘metrology’) provides to sustainability and innovation consists of two components – traceability and uncertainty. Metrological traceability means that the results of measurements can be compared in an objective way. That in turns ensures that products and processes in a wide range of sectors can more efficiently work together. In addition, communication is improved so that products can be traded, ensuring safety, and that they are kept within specifications. Measurement uncertainty for its part gives an indication of quality, essential in assessing the real value and impact of a result. Metrology continues to support traditional sectors, including global trade, which indeed stimulated the first international convention, namely the Metre Convention of 1875. During the 20th Century, metrology increasingly supported the manufacturing and process industries. Now, a decade into the 21st Century, quality assured measurement is additionally engaged with the ‘emerging’ sectors, such as security, healthcare and climate change. In the innovation value chain linking academic research and commercial measurement services, National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) have a unique, intermediary position. In the context of conformity assessment of products and services of all kinds, metrology provides
invaluable support, ultimately in setting an objective value of impact and risk in decisions of compliance. Proactive policy advice to regulatory bodies, where new technology and metrology anticipate emerging challenges, such as safe nano-production, is a particular focus. We are happy to join colleagues in regulation, standardisation, legal metrology and accreditation in providing necessary technological quality infrastructure for modern society. The scope of today’s challenges can only be met by multinational cooperation – hence the timeliness of the new European Metrology Research programme. At the moment, there is much discussion and debate about finding a balance between national and European research efforts, with concepts such as ‘smart specialisation’ in the ERA and encouragement of researcher mobility. Without this, it will be difficult for Europe to compete with the other major regions, be it North America, Japan, China or elsewhere. As metrology embarks on one of the most integrated research programmes implemented by the EURAMET association I’m honoured to chair, we expect to gain unique insight into European collaboration. Integration is no mean challenge, bearing in mind the enormous differences, by almost a factor 200, between the largest and smallest EURAMET members. Half of the 4,000 scientists are researchers where as much as 25% of national metrology research budgets will now be truly European.
Following last year’s Metrology in Energy Call, this spring new EMRP Calls for Metrology in Industry and the Environment are announced. Everyone is welcome to suggest topics for research – see www.euramet.org.
1 EMRP 2009, Official Journal of the European Union, L2009: 257 Vol. 52, p. 12-25: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2009:257: 0012:0025:EN:PDF
EURAMET Chair Professor Leslie Pendrill gauges the timing and significance of the new
European Metrology Research programme…
Measure for measure
M E A S U R E M E N T S C I E N C E116 Public Service Review: Science and Technology: issue 6
Professor Leslie Pendrill Chair
European Association of National Metrology Institutes (EURAMET) Sweden
Tel: +46 767 88 54 44 chairperson@euramet.org www.euramet.org
profile
117
Public Service Review: Science and Technology: issue 6
T
he Centre for Metrology and Accreditation – MIKES – is a specialised research institute for science and technology measure-ment. The mission of MIKES is to ensure reliability of measurements, tests, inspections, and certifications in Finland. As the National Metrology Institute – NMI – of Finland, MIKES is also responsible for fulfilling the requirements of the Mutual Recognition Arrangement, an agreement drawn up by the International Committee of Weights and Measures under the authority of the Metre Convention, establishing the degree of equiva-lence of national measurement standards and providing mutual recognition of calibration and meas-urement certificates. MIKES provides the Finnish government and other stakeholders with a secure metrolog-ical foundation for activities related to international trade, commerce, and regulatory affairs. MIKES’s activities aim to improve industry competitiveness, national innovation environment, and public safety. By cooperating with business and public administration, MIKES ensures that services provided by MIKES are relevant, competitive, and of high technical quality. Through international collaboration, MIKES promotes nationally the exploitation of advances in science and technology measurement.Scientific excellence – claim
to fame
The European Metrology Research Programme (EMRP), a €400m metrology-focused European programme of coordinated research and development that aims to accel-erate innovation and competitiveness of Europe, will guide the research activities of MIKES. EMRP is based
on Article 169 of the European treaty. The first call out of five has been completed and the first set of projects has been chosen. Titles like Energy Harvesting, Smart Electrical Grids, High Voltage Direct Current and Improved Power Plant Efficiency give an indication of the projects’ big impact and big savings. Energy can be produced on-site to small devices, different types of electrical sources can be connected to the energy network on demand, energy transmission can be realised more effectively, and
‘
The flagship in the
scientific field is the
Quantum Metrological
Triangle project.
’
energy-efficiency of power plants can be improved by more precise meas-urements. These are examples of projects that are of interest to Finland and of interest to many other coun-tries. Realisation needs expertise from several NMIs and is do-able with EMRP funding. The winners are individual customers and society as a whole through improved use of restricted energy sources and reduced CO2load.
Impact on research
Local delivery of NMI services to industry in Finland is valued. Main services are: traceability of measure-ment results, research, and training. Much of the research, in addition to EMRP, is done together with Finnish industry and other research institutes in the science hub of Otaniemi. The flagship in the scientific field is the Quantum Metrological Triangle project. Here we will answer the question whether Ohm’s law is appli-cable on quantum level. At MIKES the experiment is under preparation.
The missing link of the low uncer-tainty electrical current source is in sight as noted in Nature Research Highlights in December 2009. The work with the current source is done in collaboration with the Low Temperature Laboratory of the Aalto University in Finland and colleagues from Japan. The result of the metro-logical triangle experiment will answer one of the big questions in metrology.
International outreach of
Finland’s specialised
research institute…
Answers to big questions
in metrology
Heikki Isotalo Director
Centre for Metrology and Accreditation Tekniikantie 1 02150 Espoo Finland Tel: +358 10 6054 400 heikki.isotalo@mikes.fi www.mikes.fi
Frequency comb generator at MIKES
T
he most accurate traceable measurements of science are achieved in National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) and Designated Institutes (DIs), and the measurements of such institutes are accepted by industrialised countries throughout the world. Behind the ‘measured once – accepted everywhere’ principle is a huge amount of work, both scientific and administrative. The whole set of refereed measurement capabilities and uncertainties are collected by the Calibration and Measurement Capability (CMC) database held by the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM). The database contains over 21,000 lines of measurement capabilities and stated uncertainties from over 200 laboratories, with datalines backed by (key) comparisons, and accepted by all regional metrology organisations around the world – five in total. The database recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary and is being used by large enterprises that want to know what the best possible uncertainty of measurement result is, and where to get it from. At the same time, the database is both a starting point for lowering technical barriers to trade, and a tool for regulators, legal measurements, accreditation, standardisation, etc. The needs of industry for lower uncertainties and for new measurement capabilities produce pressure to the base of the SI system of units, and consequently to NMIs and DIs for further development.The road ahead
Science is completely dependent on measurements. Accurate measurements are needed, for example, in nanodimensions. Nanoparticles are of interest from scientific, industrial, and human health points of view, and research focusing on developing well characterised single size particles is on the way at NMIs. The link to standardisation is obvious.
Another example deals with big savings, fair billing and trade. Electrical energy can be produced in different ways: fossil, nuclear, hydro, wind, solar, geothermal, etc. Connecting/disconnecting power station to line can be optimised, energy usage can be measured locally, and power quality measurements and traceability for billing taken into use. All of these are in the focus of metrological research.
The third area where development is needed is the SI system itself. The present prototype-based definition of a kilogramme needs updating, as well as the whole system: quantum standards are available in many areas and will be on the way to the new SI system in a few years.
European Metrology Research Programme
The importance and impact of metrology has been evaluated in several reviews and, as a consequence, funds for metrology have increased. This has happened on the federal government level in the USA and on the EU-parliament level in Europe. The European Metrology Research Programme (EMRP), based on Article 169 of the European Treaty, has been launched.
The budget of EMRP is €400m for a seven year period. Ministries in the participating countries have supported the initiative by national commitments, and EMRP is managed by the European Association of National Metrology Institutes, EURAMET e.V. The programme consists of five calls, the first of which is completed to a stage where projects have been selected and are to start in summer 2010. This first call was about energy, and subsequent ones will follow on topics like environment, industrial metrology, health, etc. The majority of the 34 members of EURAMET will take part in this programme, and in figures, this means roughly 2,000 researchers, half of the personnel of the participating NMIs and DIs. Research projects are chosen emphasising scientific excellence. The programme gives the opportunity to integrate relevant European national programmes and activities to accelerate the development of vital research capabilities. The results of the programme support European competitiveness and EU policies.
Dr Heikki Isotalo, Director of the Centre for Metrology and Accreditation, considers the
current direction of travel for the science of measurement…
Uncertainty rules
M E A S U R E M E N T S C I E N C EDr Heikki Isotalo Director
Centre for Metrology and Accreditation (MIKES) Tel: +358 10 6054 400 heikki.isotalo@mikes.fi
118 Public Service Review: Science and Technology: issue 6
