On the eve of her appointment, we spoke to Dr Koo on this remarkable achievement and how her introduction to metrology began.
“The honest answer is ‘by chance’. I never set out to become a metrologist and in fact, I did not even know what the word meant when I first joined New Zealand’s national metrology institute – the Measurement Standards Laboratory (MSL).
My real journey began when I saw a job opening at MSL just as I was finishing three years of postdoctoral research in Melbourne at CSIRO and Monash University. I had carried out some of my PhD research at MSL without really appreciating their wider wider role but because of that connection I applied—and the rest, as they say, is history,” said Dr Koo.
It seemed that metrology was an unexpectedly perfect fit for Dr Koo.
“I love that the field operates at the cutting edge of science and technology, pushing the limits of precision to uncover the next decimal place. At the same time, metrology remains grounded in real-world impact, providing vital calibration services to industries and customers. Few careers so effectively blend intellectual curiosity with tangible, practical relevance,” added Dr Koo.
A Career Built at MSL
We asked Dr Koo how she first began working at MSL and what the experience was initially like.
“My first day at MSL began with a challenge: “We’ve signed you up to pilot a comparison.” I had no idea what that truly entailed, but it sounded intriguing. What followed was a crash course in international metrology – preparing and monitoring artefacts, coordinating with 11 international laboratories, and analysing complex data. It was a brilliant initiation into the world of precision measurement,” said Dr Koo.
With nearly 17 years at MSL, she focused her research on ‘light scattering’—how materials reflect and transmit light which is fundamental to understanding visual appearance traits like glossiness, translucency, and haze.
“These are everyday descriptors but quantifying them requires both rigorous error analysis and an appreciation for human perception. This interplay between exact science and subjective experience has deeply shaped how I understand metrology’s role in supporting the practical world around us.
I’ve been fortunate to learn from exceptional mentors and colleagues at MSL—people who are not only technically brilliant but deeply thoughtful in their work and collaboration,” added Dr Koo.
The Role of Accreditation
A sound measurement system isn’t just about defining units—it’s about realising them in practical, accessible ways and we asked Dr Koo what accreditations role is in this process.
“A sound measurement system demands rigorous measurement practices, skilled personnel, accurate uncertainty analysis, and robust management systems. Accreditation ties all these elements together. It provides assurance that a laboratory’s work meets high, internationally recognised standards, enabling trust across industries and borders.
I’ve come to appreciate accreditation deeply—both as someone who’s undergone assessments and as a technical assessor working with agencies in New Zealand and throughout the Asia-Pacific. These experiences foster knowledge sharing and build the relationships that strengthen the global metrology community,” said Dr Koo.
Looking Ahead: Joining the BIPM
And her pending life at BIPM?
“In September, I will begin a new chapter as Director Designate of the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM) in Paris, beginning by working alongside current Director Dr Martin Milton until his retirement. It’s an extraordinary honour to join an institution with such a proud legacy—one that maintains the world’s measurement standards at the highest level of precision, while also tackling pressing global issues and promoting inclusivity for all nations.
I’m inspired by BIPM’s mission and its people and I’m excited to contribute to its future. As we build on more than a century of scientific excellence, I look forward to helping shape how metrology continues to support innovation, equity, and progress in an increasingly complex world,” concluded Dr Koo.
We thank Dr Koo for her time wish her every success in her new role.