The Slovak Institute of Metrology presented the significance of the Metre Convention in the STVR programme "Experiment" on the occasion of its 150th anniversary

On Monday, 19 May 2025, on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the Metre Convention, the public television channel STVR aired an episode of the programme Experiment dedicated to the importance of a unified measurement system and the role of the Slovak Institute of Metrology (SMÚ).

The programme offered viewers insight into why the existence of a common measurement system is one of the fundamental pillars of trust in science, technology, and the economy. The Metre Convention, signed in 1875, laid down the foundations for what is today known as the SI system – the International System of Units, used by virtually every country in the world. As the national metrology institute, the Slovak Institute of Metrology ensures that measurements in the Slovak Republic are accurate, reliable, and compliant with international standards.

The episode featured not only historical context and the scientific development of measurement systems but also practical examples of how metrology affects daily life – from fueling vehicles and weighing food to calibrating medical devices and monitoring industrial production processes. Experts from SMÚ gave viewers a behind-the-scenes look into their laboratories and clearly explained how metrology helps ensure that product quality, consumer health, or research results are minimally affected by measurement error.

Part of the discussion was focused on the area of expertise of the invited SMÚ metrologists – radiometry and photometry, which people encounter in everyday life, such as home, workplace, or street lighting, as well as adjusting screen brightness or vehicle headlights.

You can watch the full Experiment episode in the STVR Archive:

https://www.stvr.sk/televizia/archiv/15377/533181

Source - Picture: Official Experiment show logo broadcasted by STVR