National Physical Laboratory

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    NPL maintains a wide portfolio of internationally visible research programmes that advances measurement science, underpins the SI system and supports various cross-disciplinary technologies.

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    • New insight into HIV

      Collaborative research provides new insight into a fusion protein that enables HIV to infect host cells.
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    • The world's slowest clock

      Collaborative research between NPL and SUERC has calibrated the argon-argon clock, which is used to date geological events.
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    • Finite element code released

      'Zinc' is a multiphysics finite element code capable of solving a wide range of physics and multiphysics problems.
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    NPL's commercial services are built on 100 years of leadership in accuracy, innovation and scientific research. Experienced consultants and project managers draw upon a unique combination of industry know-how and world-leading scientific discovery to deliver real-world business solutions and enable innovation and secure competitive advantage.

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      Thanks to NPL Training, the measurement associates are now thinking out of the box. We are already seeing a faster turnaround of measurement activities with higher accuracy and increased confidence. NPL is known for its technical expertise in this area, and can provide the highest level validated training. It's added to our professionalism and improved communication with our suppliers

      Mark Imms
      Metrology Manager
      Bentley Motors

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      NPL has provided us with very valuable services, which have helped ensure that our satellites offer the accuracy needed provide our customers with technology they can trust, and remain ahead of our competitors.

      Dr Martin Unwin
      Head of GNSS/GPS Team
      Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd

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      BP Exploration has continued to benefit from NPL's world class corrosion testing and modelling capabilities in 2009, and we intend to cooperate even more closely in 2010 and beyond.

      Steve Groves
      Programmes Manager
      Inherently Reliable Facilities Flagship BP
  • Educate + Explore

    Educate + Explore

    We strive to actively promote public awareness and appreciation of science and technology, particularly the importance of measurement and the role of NPL. Here you can find out more about the interesting things we do, science outreach activities you can get involved in or take a look at some of our educational resources.

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    Measurement Network

    For anyone with an interest in measurement. It aims to facilitate the sharing of measurement knowledge and information between NPL scientists and members of the network, as well as providing a forum for the sharing and exchange of information and advice between members and other measurement experts.

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Measurement in Sport

World Metrology Day 2008 - Banner 

This set of posters was created for World Metrology Day 2008 and contains fascinating facts about measurement in sport.

  • Amount of Substance PDF File - How is a mass spectrometer used to test for drugs in athletes?
  • Distance PDF File - If measuring rods expand with heat, does this mean athletes run further in summer events?
  • Dosimetry PDF File - How much radiation does an astronaut experience?
  • Height PDF File - How has technique affected high jump records?
  • Mass PDF File - Is it true a haircut changes the mass of an athlete significantly?
  • Pressure PDF File - What happens when you hold the Olympics at 2300 m above sea level?
  • Speed PDF File - How is the Doppler used to measure speed?
  • Standard Units & the SI System PDF File - What sounds higher: 5.35 metres or 17 feet 6.5 inches?
  • Time PDF File - Does it matter how close you are to the starting pistol?
  • Traceability PDF File - What is a traceability chain?