The French Metrology Reform

1. The French Metrology Reform GORIEU Olivier, VALLET Jean-Pierre (LNE/LADG) DIRECTION DE LA RECHERCHE Metrologie and Network Auxiliairies Section

2. Metrological organization in France : a classic example and the need for reform • In 1969, France creates the “Bureau national de métrologie”, with the task : • initially to encourage the laboratories to carry out researches in metrology, and • then to achieve broader tasks, when it joined the Ministry of Scientific and Industrial Development : • choosing the primary laboratories where standards are maintained, initiating studies, harmonising works, examining budget submissions, enabling the industry to refer to standards, • ensuring the French representation on the scientific level, worldwide. DIRECTION DE LA RECHERCHE Metrologie and Network Auxiliairies Section

3. Metrological organization in France : a classic example and the need for reform • In 1994, the BNM has changed its status to become a Public Interest Group (GIP), for management reasons. • Today, the GIP consists of : • 4 National metrology laboratories (CEA, CNAM, LNE and the Observatory of Paris, and • 6 associated laboratories, including the LADG (Associated Laboratory in Gasous Flowmetering) • The works carried out by the GIP during the decade enabled a significant progress in the fields of : • Time-frequency, pressure, temperature, electricity or chemistry. As for the ambitious projects • Nanometrology, the watt balance experience and the optical ‘clocks’ DIRECTION DE LA RECHERCHE Metrologie and Network Auxiliairies Section

4. Metrological organization in France : a classic example and the need for reform • However, the organisation in GIP presents two main disadvantages : • its temporality whereas the metrology is essentially a perennial task and • an intermediary stage which did not contribute to a greater visibility at the international level, as most countries have only chosen one National Metrology Institute (NMI) linked to designated bodies, if need be. • In 2005, the Government has decided to reform the management organization of the French metrology to optimise the means and to carry much weight at the European and International level in the context of the creation of networks of excellence. DIRECTION DE LA RECHERCHE Metrologie and Network Auxiliairies Section

5. Main Point of the Reform • 1 - The metrology control has been assigned to the LNE • January 27th 2005, a joint decree from the Ministries of Industry and Research has just performed • the dissolution of the ”Bureau national de métrologie” and • the transfer of the control task of metrology of the LNE. • 1st element : Those five last years : • LNE had become the major BNM maker with the successive integration of work (legal metrology field and electrical metrology). • LNE strengthened its effort in R&D and investments in new laboratories, more precisely in the measurement field. • 2nd element : The status of industrial and commercial Establishment has seemed to be appropriate to the control of metrological activities to join research activities and joint service to the industry. DIRECTION DE LA RECHERCHE Metrologie and Network Auxiliairies Section

6. Main Point of the Reform • 1 - The metrology control has been assigned to the LNE • On that occasion, the LNE’s name has been changed into « Laboratoire national de métrologie et d’essais”, however keeping the well-known initials LNE. • The LNE is thus ensured to be positioned at the crossroads of science and industry, with a wide openness to Europe. • The BNM’s teams became integrated into the LNE in the scientific research management, in charge of the metrology control at the national level and of the follow-up of the research works relating to the fields of expertise of the LNE, in the test measurement fields. • Luc ERARD, the former BNM’s director has recently been appointed director of this new LNE directorate. DIRECTION DE LA RECHERCHE Metrologie and Network Auxiliairies Section

7. Main Point of the Reform • 2 - A metrology committee : to ensure the monitoring • As specified in the decree, the LNE will ensure the monitoring of the French metrology with the support of a metrology committee of fourteen people, including • seven scientific and industrial qualified persons which covers as far as possible the different metrology fields, and • seven bodies representatives, coming respectively from the LNE, CEA, CNAM and Observatory of Paris; from the CNRS and the ministries of research and industry. • This committee will • examine the proposals coming from the different actors in French metrology to determine the priorities, assess the projects’ relevance and monitor the results obtained. • express proposals concerning mid-term planning of work. • express its opinion and proposals to the LNE’s management DIRECTION DE LA RECHERCHE Metrologie and Network Auxiliairies Section

8. Main Point of the Reform • 3 - The optimisation of the basic organization • The basic organization which worked efficiently is maintained, i.e. the LNE and the three National metrology laboratories ‘CEA, CNAM and Observatory of Paris) who will carry on their tasks in the context of the contracts with the LNE. • This will also concern the laboratories who were associated with the BNM (like LADG) and who will be from now on associated with the LNE. The more selective cooperation in form of incentive actions will also be carried on to extend the group of actors in metrology. • However, the new organization will provide more flexibility to optimise the means dedicated to the metrology works in the different laboratories. • Besides, one foresees to strengthen the cooperation with the industry, and to integrate definitely into the network of excellence at the European (EUROMET) and international levels. DIRECTION DE LA RECHERCHE Metrologie and Network Auxiliairies Section