Presidents Message

The Measurement Science Conference (MSC) has been one of the pinnacle locations for training new metrologists and for learning new metrology skills for over 50 years. Fundamental trust in measurement allows modern society and technology to function reliably and progress forward. The metrology community is small but underpins the entire economy, from manufacturing, to safe transportation, to scientific discoveries, all of which rely on our precision measurements. But without training, our measurement capabilities will falter.

We must continue to educate ourselves, our leaders, and our peers because knowledge leads to better measurements, improved quality, and greater profits. It is important to remember that training is a key part of a quality management system. We all know quality documentation should include training certificates, however ISO17025 also requires “continuous improvement”. This aspect is often overlooked, even in accredited labs, but a yearly training seminar should be part of every metrologist’s plan.

Often it seems like management believes that metrologists just turn the crank and output certificates, however experienced metrologists often feel like a local resource for questions about any gauge you calibrate. You may not know everything about the gauge, but you should know how it works, what are its strengths/weaknesses, what sensitivities does it have, what environment can it be used in. The start of every calibration should be asking end users/customers how it will be used and what they need the measurement for. A calibration certificate is more than a piece of paper, it is the knowledge behind it.

Key to all of this knowledge is training. MSC continues to provide “Fundamental Metrology Training” in 2027 by hosting beginner, intermediate, and advanced training in many diverse disciplines. As your 2027 MSC President, I invite you to help make the Measurement Science Conference better. Feel experienced with your field? MSC is a great place for “continuous improvement” by teaching a course to pass down that knowledge to the next generation of calibration engineers and technicians. As a teacher, I have learned a lot from student’s questions and mistakes that can teach you how to be a better metrologist. Want training on a specific aspect or equipment, send us an email and we will find an instructor. We want to train the best metrologists in the world.

We look forward to seeing you at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Garden Grove, California February 8^th through 11^th, 2027.

If you have any questions or if you would like to be part of our training program, please email me at jricker@msc-conf.com

Jacob E. Ricker

2027 MSC President