The "Vinča" Institute, as a named institute for ionizing radiation and thermophysical quantities, forms part of the metrological infrastructure of the Republic of Serbia and Europe. The "Vinča" Institute is a member of the European Association of National Metrology Institutes, "EURAMET," and conducts research in the field of metrology.
Metrology programs in Europe under the umbrella of EURAMET, the "Metrology Partnership" and its predecessors, EMRP and EMPIR, bring together the metrology community and other stakeholders from all fields and enable collaboration and joint research to solve global challenges. This program is co-financed by the European Union and participating countries, and aims to enable innovation, competitiveness and resilience across Europe.
As part of metrology programs, the "Vinča" Institute participated in more than 10 research and development projects, starting in 2014. The projects were related to metrology of doses and activities of ionizing radiation, metrology of temperature and thermophysical quantities, digital transformation, and other areas of metrology. A large number of researchers took part in these projects, in which cooperation was achieved with leading metrology institutes from all over Europe, as well as the rest of the world. As a result, the national metrological infrastructure was improved, the level of research and calibration possibilities was significantly improved, and the "Vinča" Institute received international recognition, so that the measurement capabilities were included in the database of key comparisons of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures.
The reports confirm that European research programs in metrology bring significant social, economic, and scientific impact, highlighting the role of the Winch Institute as a key actor in strengthening European technological autonomy and innovation.
Metrology, the science of measurement, is the foundation of modern society, technology, and politics, ensuring precision in critical areas – from advanced manufacturing and clean energy to cancer treatment.
A new EURAMET report demonstrates an exceptionally high return on public investment. This impressive economic return highlights not only financial profitability, but also the role of metrology in accelerating the cycle of innovation, supporting technological sovereignty, ensuring safety and quality, and aligning with EU strategic goals – from decarbonization, to digital and green transformation.
The role of National Institutes and the "Vinča" Institute in European Metrology
European Commission evaluations and independent expert reports confirm the strategic importance of metrology for Europe, emphasizing its vitality in strengthening European scientific and industrial leadership.
Annette Röttger, Vice-President of EURAMET (GA), points out: "Joint European metrology research has brought remarkable achievements, advancing not only technologies, but also the vision of a united Europe. Every country depends on accurate measurements, and this common need unites us. Through EURAMET, we strengthen the National Metrology Institutes (NMI) and build capacities across borders: from north to south, east to west."
The Institute for Nuclear Sciences "Vinča" actively participates in EURAMET programs, positioning itself as a key partner in the European metrology community. Through its participation, the "Vinča" Institute contributes to reducing the fragmentation of research, increasing capacity, and building trust in measurement data, which is essential for achieving Europe's strategic autonomy and competitiveness in critical technological areas.
Dolores del Campo, Chair of EURAMET, emphasizes: "Past and current metrology research programs have proven to be accelerators of innovation. The future requires a coordinated, strategic effort in metrology research that protects European competitiveness and technological sovereignty, while providing solutions for industry and the well-being of citizens. Our goal is clear: to build a strategy that not only ensures independence but also creates an inclusive infrastructure."
Continued investment at the EU level in metrology is crucial, especially in light of strategic investment by other global economies. The future metrology initiative will boost European competitiveness in areas such as advanced materials, quantum technologies and energy solutions, ensuring sovereignty in critical technologies, and supporting policy implementation in sectors such as climate, health, and digital transformation.
Maguelonne Chambon, EURAMET's Vice-President for Research, concludes: "Metrology, an interdisciplinary field that serves many fields of science and technology, lays a strong foundation for innovation and trust. To protect competitiveness and well-being, we must continue to strengthen a robust metrology infrastructure built on research and driven by collective effort. The European metrology community, including the Vinča Institute, is ready to continue to drive progress and contribute to the future of Europe."
More details and the full report are available on the EURAMET website.
