Metrology: "A strong focus on the environment and climate change" (T. Grenon, LNE)

"Over the past 30 years, the Laboratoire de Métrologie et d'Essais (LNE) has developed a strong focus on the environment and climate change in particular. Metrology is fundamental to understanding and modelling climate change, because accurate measurements are necessary", Thomas Grenon, the laboratory's director, told News Tank on 20/05, to mark the World Day dedicated to this science of measurement.

To guarantee that a measurement, of temperature for example, is identical wherever it is taken and that it will be comparable over time, this requires "a common language and close international cooperation. Everyone must have the same reference values," he continues.

In Europe, "this cooperation is very strong, particularly within the framework of Horizon Europe and the European metrology programme (EMP). The Member States are working together to develop common measurement methods, particularly for emerging issues such as PFAS".

He adds that the key challenge in working on these pollutants "is to develop ever more accurate methods and instruments for detecting these trace substances. As…