Laurie Winkless - Higher Research Scientist within our Nanomaterials group

"I joined NPL in 2006 after having studied Physics and Astrophysics at Trinity College Dublin, and completing an MSc in Space Science at University College London," says Laurie Winkless. "I am currently working on researching the future use of nanomaterials in the space industry, and on tuning friction using nanopatterned surfaces. Last year, I was invited to take up the role of ambassador for the EPSRC's NOISEmakers programme, which aims to encourage young people to study science and engineering at school, college or university, with a view to pursuing careers in these subjects.

"I enjoy working at NPL because it gives me the opportunity to learn skills from highly experienced scientists, to work on world-class equipment, and NPL actively encourages me to do lots of science outreach."

Graham Machin - Head of Temperature Standards within our Temperature Measurement group

"I started my career at NPL in temperature measurement after completing a DPhil in High Energy Astrophysics at the University of Oxford," says Graham Machin. "My current research interests are high temperature thermometry, both non-contact and contact, acoustic thermometry and the kelvin redefinition via the Boltzmann constant, novel medical thermometry and quantative thermal imaging. I am proud to have authored and co-authored over 60 papers on many different aspects of temperature measurement.

"I am currently working on a range of projects from consultancies within fields as diverse as thermal imaging in a space environment, brain temperature measurement, and welding; to more long term metrology research such as improving thermocouple thermometry and working on a new high temperature scale. The role also provides me the opportunity to give numerous talks on thermometry issues in the UK and overseas.

"Working at NPL gives me the opportunity to have a strong positive impact in different fields of industry and science and the sheer variety of the work means that no day is the same."

Angela Dawson – Higher Research Scientist within our Materials group

"I started working at NPL in the Polymer, Biomaterials and Composites Group after working for a few years in the polymer industry," says Angela Dawson. "In my time at NPL I have been able to work on a range of projects, with applications as diverse as improving the efficiency of the plastics injection moulding process through to trying to understand how people perceive the naturalness of materials. The work is challenging and engaging and I get enormous satisfaction from my input into supporting industry and helping to develop and improve standards for testing. My role also gives me the opportunity to disseminate my scientific work at international conferences and meetings, and also to local schools as an NPL Science Ambassador.

"NPL supported my career development by funding my MSc in Polymer Engineering and Science. This entirely comprised the scientific research here at NPL on the thermal conductivity of amorphous polymers, and I received the James S Walker Award from the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining for my dissertation. This research could lead to more accurate modelling of polymer processing and therefore faster cycle times with a reduction in wastage of raw materials.

"I like working at NPL because there is a very social atmosphere, NPL has its own Sports and Social Club on site, with activities ranging from football, tennis, rounders and indoor games tournaments, through to comedy nights and quizzes. At the last NPL Work Life Balance Day I ended up playing cricket, which was a new experience!"