National Physical Laboratory

  • Science + Technology

    Science + Technology

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

    Science stories

    • Measurement in 2020

      Kamal Hossain, Director of Research and International, outlines in QMT magazine, how NPL is rising to meet the measurement challenges of the next two decades.
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    • Order from disorder

      Collaborative research into a protein associated with Parkinson’s disease explores a novel way of organising proteins at the nanoscale.
      More

    • Radiotherapy doses to be more accurate

      Collaborative research on the distribution of charged particles during treatment will contribute to safer radiotherapy for cancer patients.
      More

    • The tick-tock of the optical clock

      A new frequency measurement in an ytterbium ion could form the basis for the next generation of optical atomic clocks.
      More
  • Commercial Services

    Commercial Services

    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.

    Testimonials

    • Bentley Logo

      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

    • surreysat2

      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

    • bpGif



      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.

    Outreach Activities

  • NMS Learning Zone
  • Measurement Network

    Measurement Network

    The Measurement Network is the UK’s national network set up to support businesses to solve measurement challenges, increase the spread and adoption of measurement knowledge and address strategic measurement issues.

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Water Rocket Challenge Water Rocket Challenge

Aim for the sky in our annual Water Rocket Challenge, which sees hundreds of participants, from school teams to adults, battling it out to become champion.

Water Rocket 15 June Calendar
The 2012 NPL Water Rocket Challenge will be held on Wednesday 20 June at the NPL Sports Club, Queens Road, Teddington TW11 0LW.


Water Rocket logo
Schools only competition - from 1.30 pm until 4.30 pm
Open competition - from 6 pm until 8.30 pm
Workshops - from 6 pm until 8.30 pm (£5 per person, pre-register please)
Spectators welcome - from 6 pm (£2 entry fee)

All entry fees are donated to Shooting Star CHASE

Read our 2011 report and scores

  • The NPL Water Rocket Challenge has been running since 2003 with over 400 teams (of six) having participated. It has raised over £12,500 for charity.

  • Challenges were initially distance and altitude, but presently winners combine landing accuracy (in a zone about 65 m from launch position) with time of flight.

  • The Teddington afternoon event is exclusively for schools teams. The infrastructure remains for an evening event to which older enthusiasts, youth groups and spectators are welcome.

  • NPL has helped other organisations set up similar events, including the Welsh
    Water Rocket Challenge and Cheltenham Science Festival.

If you have any water rocket related enquiries, please email waterrockets@npl.co.uk

2011 Challenge

The 2011 Water Rocket Challenge was held on Wednesday 15 June 2011.

Take Part

Registration for our 2012 competition is now open, click the register link below!

Rules & Information
EGGSTRA Challenge Rules & Information

Register

2011 Photos

View photos from our 2011 Water Rocket Challenge.