The UK is a world leader in measurement – we know how to measure all manner of things accurately and definitively. This is of both academic, social and commercial benefit – we have been able to develop better pollution monitoring systems and safer medical devices, for example.

But it’s not something that’s often talked about.

The National Measurement Office (the bit of Government responsible for the UK’s measurement system) wants to talk about it, and the R&D Society (who I work for – we care about UK R&D) does too.

The National Measurement Office has a consultation at the moment – A Strategy for the National Measurement System 2010-2014 They are trying to look ahead at what the UK will need in terms of measurement infrastructure and standards.

The questions they want answered include:

• What are the priorities for measurement research (eg Business competitiveness? Sustainability? Security?)
• Should they set up a Centre for Carbon Metrology?
• Should the Government invest in new advanced laboratories in order that the UK should continue to be a world leader in advanced measurement science?
• What are your requirements for measurement technology and expertise, both now and for the future?

You can read their entire strategy and all the questions, and leave comments and responses on their consultation website.

You can also come along to a free panel discussion event on the evening of Tuesday 16 June 2009 (or here for the Nature Network listing) at the Royal Society, London, to discuss these issues. Panellists represent industrial users of measurement, those with roles to deliver a better quality of life for the citizen and academia. And there’s a reception afterwards with food and drink, so we can carry on the conversation.