Research infrastructures (RIs) are central to European Union (EU) policies for defragmentation of the research and innovation in all fields of science and technology providing resources, expertise, and services to address societal challenges and support evidence-based policymaking. The commentary stresses on how METROFOOD-RI, a geographically distributed RI, aims at advancing metrology in the agri-food sector with a particular emphasis on food/feed and nutrition fields. Structured according to Hub & Nodes model, METROFOOD-RI integrates physical and electronic infrastructures to provide FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data and tools. Its activities span a comprehensive service chart covering research, information and communication technologies (ICT), and data, advisory, and educational services, as well as integrated service pipelines targeting transparency in the food chain, emerging food risks, innovative processing, and circular bioeconomy approaches. By leveraging metrology, METROFOOD-RI aims at harmonizing standards and fostering cross-border collaboration, whereas equally supports a multidisciplinary approach to tackling challenges in food systems and nutrition. The commentary highlights how this RI can contribute to the European research area priorities and United Nations sustainability goals. © The Author(s) 2025.

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