December 2003 marks the end of an era in the world of metrology with the retirement of Terry Quinn FRS, Director of the BIPM since 1988. Terry's contribution to the field of metrology has been long and distinguished, both as a physicist and administrator; a long list of awards and honours bears testimony to the fact.

From the standpoint of physics, his contributions have been numerous and important: in the field of thermometry he pioneered the use of cryogenic radiometers, instruments that are now employed as standards by National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) worldwide; his experiments to measure the Newtonian gravitational constant, G, the least well known of the fundamental constants, are characterized by elegant techniques and novel approaches; and as an example from the field of mass measurement, a definitive experiment at the BIPM ruled out the existence of the so-called 'fifth force'.

As Director of the BIPM, Terry Quinn has been the driving force behind many of the initiatives undertaken in metrology in recent years. As any delegate to conferences or meetings at the BIPM will testify, his knowledge and grasp of complex issues are formidable, abilities that are particularly demonstrated at meetings of the Conférence Générale des Poids et Mesures (CGPM), where many questions of a technical or diplomatic nature are often raised. The signing of the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) at the CGPM in Paris in 1999 by the directors of the NMIs of the industrialized states of the world was largely due to his efforts.

In paying tribute to Terry, it would be remiss not to mention the part played by his charming wife, Renée. She has graciously hosted innumerable functions at the Quinn home over these years and has always made visitors to the BIPM feel most welcome. On behalf of Metrologia, its readers and Editorial Board, I take this opportunity to wish the Quinns a long and happy retirement. At the same time our best wishes go to Terry's successor, Professor Andrew Wallard, another highly honoured metrologist, into whose capable hands the Directorship of the BIPM will pass in January 2004.

Finally, I am delighted to inform readers that starting with Volume 41, the editorial chair will be occupied by Dr Jeffrey Williams. Coming from a distinguished research career in chemical physics and with wide experience in several high-profile posts in the area of publications, Jeffrey is well equipped to expand the horizons of Metrologia in the post-MRA world. With the knowledge that I leave the journal in safe hands, I wish him every success. From my own part, it has been an exhilarating five and a half years spent at the BIPM, a period I shall always look back on with the greatest of pleasure. I take this opportunity to thank my colleagues here at Metrologia, the members of the Editorial Board, reviewers, authors and many friends who have contributed in no small measure to make my stay a most enjoyable one.