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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    • 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.
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    • Radiotherapy doses to be more accurate

      Collaborative research on the distribution of charged particles during treatment will contribute to safer radiotherapy for cancer patients.
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    • 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.
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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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NPL's Water Rocket Challenge

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 the Shooting Star Children's Hospice.

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.

Last Updated: 2 Aug 2011
Created: 26 Jan 2011