The National Institute of Metrology (Thailand) (NIMT) successfully hosted the 1st International Conference on Measurement Sciences and Applications (IMSA 2024) under the theme “Measurement for Sustainable Future” on 21-23 August 2024 at Impact Forum, Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi, Thailand.
The event was presided over by H.E. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), emphasizing the importance of “Metrology” which had a long history in Thailand. It has undergone two major reforms. The first was in 1912 when Siam signed the Metre Convention, which led to the Weights and Measures Act 1923, introduced the metric system as the first unit of measurement. The second reform was in 1997 with the enactment of the National Metrology System Development Act 1997, which laid out the working structure for the development of the national metrology system in three parts: the National Metrology Committee, the National Metrology System Development Fund, and the National Institute of Metrology (Thailand). At present, NIMT is currently in the midst of the third reform of Thailand’s metrology system to prepare for the changes in the International System of Units (SI Units) towards the digital age, climate change and the transition to the quantum age, with the aim of establishing a national metrology system that can serve Thailand’s interests now and in the future.
Pol.Lt.Gen Pornchai Suteerakune, Director of NIMT, mentioned that this conference served as an international academic forum that exchanged knowledge, including research results in measurement sciences and applications in various fields, leading to the further development of sustainable research and innovation that will be beneficial to the country in the future. It was also a platform for honoring the individuals and/or organizations that promoted and supported the development of the country’s metrology system.
The conference comprised of five activities : keynote speeches; plenary talks; oral presentation; poster presentation and exhibitions. The highlights were the special lectures (Keynote Speeches) from three honorary speakers and NIMT was honored to have Mr. Anusorn Tonmuenwai, Deputy Director of NIMT as a session chair.
Keynote Speech 1: Dr. Victoria Coleman, Member of International Committee for Weights and Measures (CIPM) and President of Consultative Committee for Length (CCL), giving a speech on “Science as the fundamental enabler of metrology and technological opportunities”.
Keynote Speech 2: Dr. Kieran Stanley, Expert from Atmospheric Chemistry Research Group, University of Bristol, United Kingdom, giving a speech on “Climate and environmental monitoring: Using atmospheric greenhouse gas measurements to quantify emissions”.
Keynote Speech 3: Dr. Sivinee Sawatdiaree, Head of Electrical Metrology Department of NIMT giving a speech on “NIMT’s Approach, Roadmap and Progresses in Implementing the (New) SI”.
Another important activity was a special lecture (Plenary Talks) from four honorary speakers. The topics were related to the latest advances in measurement sciences and its applications.
Plenary Talk 1: Dr. Tetsuya Ido, Director of Space-Time Standards Laboratory, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Japan, giving a talk on “The Role of Optical Clocks in Modern Society and the Quantum Future”.
Plenary Talk 2: Dr. Ing. Jan Kučera, Deputy Director of Regional Inspectorate Praha. 1011 – Department of primary metrology of electrical impedance and electrical quantities, Czech Republic, giving a talk on “Novel “Digital & Quantum” Impedance Bridges and On-going Challenges in Electrical Impedance Metrology”.
Plenary Talk 3: Dr. Wei-En Fu, Deputy General Director of Center for Measurement Standards/Industrial Technology Research Institute (CMS/ITRI), Taiwan, giving a talk on “Digital Transformation as Moving Standards to In-Line Measurements for Smart Manufacturing”.
Plenary Talk 4: Dr. Visarn Lilavivat, Expert from National Energy Technology Center (ENTEC), Thailand , giving a talk on “Energy Policy Perspectives on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Development in Thailand”.
This conference also provided an opportunity for researchers and academics to present their works and exchange knowledge in both oral and poster presentation; it was divided into 11 breakout rooms:
• Room 1: SI and Electrical Measurement | Chair: Dr. Ing. Jan Kučera
• Room 2: Dimensional Measurement | Chair: Dr. Narin Chanthawong
• Room 3: Climate – Energy – Pollution | Chair: Dr. Kieran Stanley
• Room 4: Thermometry | Chair: Ms. Rojana Leecharoen
• Room 5: Materials | Chair: Dr. Chanchana Thanachayanont
• Room 6: Future Trends Review | Chair: Dr. Wei-En Fu
• Room 7: SI and Time & Frequency | Chair: Dr. Tetsuya Ido
• Room 8: Biotechnology and Food | Chair: Dr. Kittiya Shearman
• Room 9: Mechanical Measurement | Chair: Dr. Patcharapol Gorgitrattanagul
• Room 10: Health and Drugs | Chair: Dr. Christoph Nehrbass-Ahles
• Room 11: Digital Transformation | Chair: Ms. Praiya Thongluang
On the last day, there was an announcement of four awards for the Best Oral Presentation and the Best Poster Presentation.
In addition, there were the exhibitions from the calibration laboratories and measuring instrument manufacturers.
