International Bureau Of Weights And Measures

International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) is an international organization that maintains global standards for the measurement of physical quantities. It is based in Sèvres, France, and operates under the authority of the General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM) and the International Committee for Weights and Measures (CIPM).

History

The BIPM was established by the Metre Convention in 1875. The convention was an international treaty signed by 17 countries, including France, United States, and United Kingdom. The treaty aimed to standardize the measurement of physical quantities worldwide.

Role

The BIPM's main role is to ensure worldwide uniformity of measurements and their traceability to the International System of Units (SI). This is achieved through a series of international comparisons of national measurement standards.

Structure

The BIPM is governed by the General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM), which meets every four years. The CGPM is composed of delegates from the member states of the Metre Convention. The International Committee for Weights and Measures (CIPM), composed of 18 individuals from different member states, is responsible for the day-to-day running of the BIPM.

Activities

The BIPM carries out measurement-related research. It takes part in, and organizes, international comparisons of national measurement standards, and it carries out calibrations for member states.

See also

• Metre Convention
• International System of Units
• General Conference on Weights and Measures
• International Committee for Weights and Measures