09:20 - 10:00

Keynote Speech

Professor Tshilidzi Marwala
Rector of the United Nations University
Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations

Professor Tshilidzi Marwala is the Rector of the United Nations University and an Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations. He assumed office as the University’s seventh Rector on 1 March 2023. He holds a PhD in Artificial Intelligence and Engineering from the University of Cambridge and a BSc in Mechanical Engineering (magna cum laude) from Case Western Reserve University. 
He holds a PhD in Artificial Intelligence and Engineering from the University of Cambridge, a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pretoria, and a BSc in Mechanical Engineering (magna cum laude) from Case Western Reserve University. He has also completed the Advanced Management Program at Columbia Business School and a leadership development programme at Harvard Business School. 
He previously served as Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Johannesburg, leading major initiatives in research development, digital transformation, and student success. His work contributes to global discussions on artificial intelligence, technology governance, and their societal impacts. 
Professor Marwala is the author of 30 books and co-holder of five patents. He is a Fellow of leading academies, including The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and has been a member of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Scientific Advisory Board since August 2023.

11:00 - 11:30

The Weight of Progress: How the CCM is Advancing Measurement Science for a Changing World

The Consultative Committee for Mass and Related Quantities (CCM) Strategy outlines the global roadmap for advancing measurement science in mass and related quantities over the next decade. Building on the 2019 redefinition of the kilogram, the strategy emphasizes three core aims: progressing measurement science, promoting global comparability, and improving stakeholder engagement. Further, it addresses seven “grand challenges” identified by the CIPM—spanning climate change, health, food safety, energy, advanced manufacturing, digital transformation, and emerging metrology—where enhanced traceability and precision in mass-related measurements can yield societal and industrial benefits.

The CCM’s plan includes advancing experimental methods such as Kibble and micro-Kibble balances, optical cavity pressure sensors, and cold-atom gravimeters; managing the transition to sovereign kilogram realizations; and fostering digital transformation through initiatives like digital calibration certificates and data-driven comparability. Collaboration remains central, with strong ties to RMOs, ISO, ILAC, OIML, and other Consultative Committees. The BIPM laboratories play a pivotal role by coordinating key comparisons, maintaining reference standards, and supporting knowledge transfer.

This talk will summarize the CCM’s vision of a world where all measurements of mass and related quantities are globally comparable and traceable to the SI, highlighting key milestones, research priorities, and international coordination efforts guiding metrology into a more connected, digital, and sustainable future.

Ms. Georgette Macdonald
Director General of the Metrology Research Center, National Research Council Canada
President , CIPM Consultative Committee for Mass and related quantities

11:30 - 12:00

OIML: Enabling Innovation for a Sustainable Future

The International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) plays a pivotal role in fostering innovation while ensuring global measurement standards that support sustainable development. As industries transition toward greener technologies and digital ecosystems, accurate and reliable measurements become essential for energy efficiency, resource optimization, and environmental protection. This presentation explores how OIML enables innovation through harmonized standards, digital transformation, and collaborative frameworks that address emerging technologies such as smart sensors, renewable energy systems, and data-driven metrology. By aligning legal metrology with sustainability goals, OIML not only strengthens trust in measurements but also accelerates progress toward a resilient, inclusive, and environmentally responsible future.

Dr. Bobjoseph Mathew
Vice-Director of the Federal Institute of Metrology METAS
CIML President

12:00 - 12:30

“The Gravitational Constant G Shapes the Cosmos - The History of Measuring a Fundamental Physical Constant.”

The gravitational constant, G=6.67430(15)×10^-11 N m^2/kg^2, is one of the fundamental physical constants that shape the cosmos as we know it today. Had G taken a different value, the nature of astrophysical objects would have been entirely altered, and life itself might never have emerged. Why does G possess this particular value--so much weaker than other fundamental forces, such as electromagnetism, by many orders of magnitude? Modern physics offers no definitive answer to this profound question. In this talk, I will review the history of humanity’s quest to determine G, tracing back to the eighteenth century.

Dr. Taro KOTANI
Aoyama Gakuin U./International Christian U./Yamagata U./Rikkyo U. 
Lecturer and Science Writer   

14:05 - 14:45

“Future Directions of Manufacturing Shaped by the Circular Economy”

In recent years, the Circular Economy (CE) has been attracting increasing attention. It is founded on two pillars: production based on recycled resources and value creation that is not dependent on material throughput. CE should be regarded as a powerful catalyst for transitioning toward a new paradigm of manufacturing, moving away from the unsustainable mass production and mass consumption. This lecture introduces an overview of CE with some enabling ideas including corporate ecosystems led by circulation providers, product life cycle design, business models, and digitalization.

Dr. Yasushi UMEDA
Research into Artifacts, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo   

14:45 - 15:45

“Extreme Measurements and Gravitational Wave Astronomy”

A century has passed since Einstein predicted gravitational waves, and we are now in an era where gravitational waves are regularly observed, and the data can be used to explore the mysteries of the Universe. To observe gravitational waves, it is necessary to measure extremely small expansions and contractions of space, and it is largely due to the development of technology over the past decades that such observations have become possible. In this lecture, I would like to introduce the measurement technology that makes gravitational wave observations possible, introduce the KAGRA project that we are currently working on, and talk about the mysteries of the Universe that gravitational wave astronomy will unravel.

Dr. Takaaki KAJITA
Distinguished University Professor, Institute for Cosmic Ray Research, The University of Tokyo, 2015 Nobel Prize Laureate in Physics

16:30 - 17:00

“Current Status and Challenges of Certified Measurers’ Activities in Kyushu”

Kyushu, located in southwestern Japan, consists of seven prefectures plus Okinawa.
As one of the certified measurers working in Kyushu, This presentation outlines the current status of substitute inspections—commonly referred to as dai-kensa—conducted by certified measurers in place of periodic governmental inspections, which are performed for a wide range of businesses—from large companies to small individual shops.
Drawing on practical experience as an active certified measurer in Kyushu, the presentation highlights key operational challenges, emerging issues, and regional characteristics associated with these activities.
*Certified measurers are nationally certified professionals registered by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry under the Measurement Act in Japan, and are responsible for managing and ensuring accurate measurements at companies and business establishments. 

Mr. Kazuki KIYOHARA
Certified Measurer

17:00 - 17:30

The OIML-CS quality infrastructure and inclusion of Manufacturer Testing Laboratories

The International Organization of Legal Metrology OIML proposes the OIML-CS which is a certification system, that allows manufacturers in various fields of measuring instruments to obtain an OIML certificate for a measuring instrument. The certificate is recognized in a large number of countries. The system brings trust for the utilizers that recognize the tests performed. We take a look in the OIML-CS Quality infrastructure that allows trustworthiness in the certificates issued.

Mr. Gulian Couvreur
Head of the Conformity Evaluation Body METAS-Cert at the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS)

09:00 - 10:00

PANEL Discussion

MC

Moderator

10:10 - 10:40

Professor Oshima graduated from the Department of Nuclear Engineering at the University of Tokyo with a Ph.D. in Engineering. She began her career as a research associate at the Institute of Industrial Science, the University of Tokyo and later became an assistant professor. She was promoted to full professor in 2005. Since 2024, she has also served as Deputy Director of Tokyo College at the University of Tokyo. She has published 159 papers and 27 book chapters. She became the first female president of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers in 2017 and is currently a General Council member of the International Association for Computational Mechanics.

Professor Marie OSHIMA
Interfaculty Initiative in Information Studies
Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo 

June 8^th, 14:00-15:30 - Session 1

Theme: Latest developments in legal metrology

Automated legal metrology in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO)

Theme: AI/Image-based measurement

Theme: Dissemination of the redefined mass unit

June 8^th, 16:00-17:30 - Session 2

Theme: Latest activities of international associations

Theme: New applications

Theme: Kibble balance and extension

June 9^th, 09:00-10:30 - Session 3

Theme: OIML Session

Theme: Automation

Theme: DX

June 9^th, 11:00-12:30 - Session 4

Theme: DX/Software/Security

Theme: Weigh-in-Motion

Theme: New technology in weighing

Volumetric measuring instrument: an instrument that makes multiple measurements to determine the volume of a bulk commodity
National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM), USA

Meet at the Kitakyushu International Conference Center or JR Kokura Station

Move by car

09:50

Arrival at the Kitakyushu Municipal General Agricultural Center
Hananougaoka Park “Iyashi no Kaze”
Facility overview: https://k-nouji.com/

Enjoy a hands-on Indigo-Dyed T-shirt Experience, offering a unique opportunity to explore traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

A boxed lunch will be provided.                                           

(The program is scheduled to conclude around 13:30–14:00.)

Sightseeing tour

Visit to Kokura Castle (planned)

https://kokura-castle.jp/english/

15:30

Tour concludes