Topics

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The conference comprises the following six topics:

1. New measurement technologies and innovative integrated approaches

• New developments and innovations in instruments, methods, techniques and technologies for sustainable measurements to support the WMO strategic priorities,
• Newly developed or improved algorithms,
• Cost-effective sensors technologies,
• New and innovative integrated initiatives for measurements,
• Opportunities and challenges with artificial intelligence, big data and crowd sourcing (internet of things),
• Best practices for data exchange and data formats.

2. Environmental sustainability of observing systems

• Innovations in measurement technologies and methods reducing environmental impact,
• Life-cycle assessments of instruments and observing systems,
• Regulations, guidance, and incentives for environmentally sustainable approaches,
• Use of environmentally-friendly materials,
• Best practices related the procurement, management and operations of observing systems.

3. Characterization and testing of instruments and methods

• Characterization of instruments and measurement methods, 
• Testing procedures,
• Verifying instrument performance,
• Outcomes of instrument intercomparisons,
• Performance of instruments under harsh environments and in extreme weather conditions.

4. Traceability of measurements to recognized standards

• Mechanisms to ensure measurement traceability to recognized standards,
• Development and maintenance of standards and standard procedures,
• Field inspection and verification methods and procedures,
• Best practices for ensuring measurement traceability,
• Traceability and calibration of remote-sensing observing systems,
• Methods and procedures for laboratory and field calibration,
• Assessment of laboratory, field and overall measurement uncertainty,
• Adoption and implementation of ISO/IEC 17025 in calibration laboratories,
• Collaboration between NMHSs and the metrology community (Regional Instrument Centres, National Metrology Institutes, ...)
• Protocols for, and experiences and results from interlaboratory comparisons.

5. Quality assurance and maintenance of the observing systems

• Experience with the siting and measurement quality classification schemes,
• Quality control procedures,
• Observing system operation and maintenance strategies,
• Preventive and corrective maintenance activities for improving the availability and quality of the observations, 
• Best practices for managing calibration results and their implementation in operational systems,
• Spare parts and consumables management practices.

6. Capacity development for sustainable and quality measurements  

• Experience with personnel competences related to requirements identification, installation, operations, maintenance and calibration of equipment,
• Experiences with training activities and outreach material including e-learning tools and platforms,
• Modernization of observing systems and related infrastructure,
• Best practices for tendering processes and purchasing of measurements related systems and instruments,
• Experiences with capacity development projects, including with donors and funding agencies.