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Abbreviations
The SI was established in 1960 by the CGPM, an intergovernmental
treaty organization created by the Meter Convention signed in
1875. The Convention also established the CIPM and BIPM; for additional
information, see the section International aspects of the SI.
| CGPM |
General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM, Conférence Générale des Poids et Mesures).
The CGPM is the primary intergovernmental treaty organization
responsible for the SI, representing nearly 50 countries. It has
the responsibility of ensuring that the SI is widely disseminated
and modifying it as necessary so that it reflects the latest advances
in science and technology. |
| CIPM |
International Committee for Weights and Measures (CIPM, Comité International des Poids et Mesures).
The CIPM comes under the authority of the CGPM. It suggests modifications
to the SI to the CGPM for formal adoption. The CIPM may also on
its own authority pass clarifying resolutions and recommendations
regarding the SI. |
| BIPM |
International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM, Bureau International des Poids et Mesures).
The BIPM, located outside Paris, has the task of ensuring worldwide
unification of physical measurements. It is the "international"
metrology institute, and operates under the exclusive supervision
of the CIPM. |
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