Environmental Measurement : Science + Technology : 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.
Acoustics
NPL undertakes long-term, leading-edge research to develop new and improved measurement methods that will impact on UK future services and products.
Advanced Materials
Materials technology is vital to industrial competitiveness and innovation across all sectors including healthcare and the environment.
Biotechnology
NPL's Biotechnology Group specialises in the measurement of biomolecules and the study of their interactions in solution, at interfaces and inside cells.
Chemical Metrology
NPL provides world-class research, consultancy, calibrations and specialised measurement services in chemical metrology.
Electrochemistry
NPL's multi-disciplinary Electrochemistry team undertakes ground-breaking research in measurement and modelling of electrochemical and charge transfer processes.
Electromagnetics
NPL maintains one of the world's most comprehensive national capabilities for measuring electromagnetic quantities across the spectrum from DC via RF and microwave up to terahertz frequencies and beyond.
Engineering Measurements
Innovative engineering measurement methods that are key in underpinning the current and future competitiveness of UK industry, including length, mass, force and temperature and humidity.
Environmental Measurement
Accurate measurements play a vital role in gauging the scale of anthropogenic and naturally driven effects, pollutant concentrations and the development of strategies to mitigate short and long-term impacts.
Ionising Radiation
Radioactivity and radiation measurements are fundamental in a large group of activities and their use is expanding.
Mathematics & Scientific Computing
NPL is active in areas of mathematics and scientific computing which support measurement science, with research work carried out in the Mathematics and Modelling for Metrology Programme (MMM).
Surface & Nanoanalysis
At NPL, our Surface & Nanoanalysis research is focused on innovation, trade, industrial competitiveness and quality of life.
Optical Radiation & Photonics
In optical science and technology, NPL is directing research effort into science areas which are central to communications, healthcare and climate change.
Quantum Phenomena
At NPL we undertake world-leading fundamental research into new areas of measurement science, particularly those that exploit quantum mechanical phenomena.
Thermal Performance
NPL's Thermal Performance team provides a wide range of measurement facilities for characterising thermophysical properties of materials and the heat transfer within engineering structures.
Time & Frequency
Home of the nation's atomic time scale, NPL is the focus for time and frequency measurements in the UK.
Science Case Studies
Science stories
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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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.
Sectors
Our customers cover a wide range of sectors, technologies and applications. You will be amazed at the breadth of our services, built on 100 years of leadership in accuracy, innovation and scientific research. Below we've highlighted some of our sectors.
Products & Services
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. Simply use the plus buttons to learn more about a product or service.
Measurement Services
NPL Measurement Services are designed to meet the most challenging measurement requirements and to give customers the technical edge needed to be truly world-class.
Our Clients
Case Studies
NPL produces a wide range of case studies highlighting our capability and the sectors we operate in.
Insights
A magazine from NPL that explores how the science and technology community in the UK can come together to deliver world class science that can change the way we live our lives and do business, influence government funding and policies while continuing to deliver value for money.
Testimonials
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

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

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.
Schools Posters
NEW! A selection of posters for the classroom to support science and maths teaching at primary and secondary schools.
Be amazed
Be amazed by NPL's science.
Factsheets
Our factsheets are designed as a quick introduction to a subject that you can read online or download.
Online Barograph
The NPL online barograph has been recording the pressure in Teddington, UK, since 1st January 1998.
Protons for Breakfast
A 6-week course for people interested in science and its impact on our lives.
Measurement Units
Water Rocket Challenge
Information on how to build a water rocket and also on entering NPL's annual Water Rocket Challenge.
ReactFast
Find out about measuring reaction times and take the ReactFast challenge.
Physics Handbook
This useful physics handbook produced in association with the Institute of Physics (IoP) is an excellent resource for physics students and teachers.
Students Area
Science related material of use to students.
Virtual Physical Laboratory
The Virtual Physical Laboratory (VPLab) software contains over 180 interactive experiments for use by teachers and by pupils individually.
The NPL Academy
The NPL Academy gives GCSE students a real taster of work at the UK's leading measurement research laboratory.
The NPL School Science Film Challenge
Can you make a great science film? Find out more about NPL's School Science Film Challenge.
What is the time?
Here at NPL, atomic clocks keep UK national, and international time ticking. Our scientists are developing ways to measure time ever more accurately. This page links to general information about the world time system, atomic clocks and synchronising UK time.
Outreach Activites
Protons for Breakfast
A 6-week course for people interested in science and its impact on our lives.
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The NPL Academy
The NPL Academy gives GCSE students a real taster of work at the UK's leading measurement research laboratory.
More
The NPL School Science Film Challenge
Can you make a great science film? Find out more about NPL's School Science Film Challenge.
More
NMS Learning Zone
Measurement Network
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.
Biotech & Healthcare
For people involved in the biotechnology and healthcare industries that have an interest in detection, characterisation and measurement.
Communications & Electromagnetics
This special interest group brings together those interested in communication technologies and in electromagnetics.
Engineering & Optical
Reflecting a range of interests from a number of sectors, including advanced manufacturing and engineering, transport and energy.
Environment & Energy
Providing a focus for those working in the energy sector encompassing fossil fuels, nuclear and renewable energy technologies.
Ionising Radiation
Established to provide a focus for those whose work involves any aspect of ionising radiation, including dosimetry, radiation and neutron metrology.
Materials & Surface Analysis
For people with an interest in materials and surface analysis, including nano technologies.
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Environmental Measurement

Environmental measurement scientists at NPL provide high quality, cost effective pollution monitoring and analysis services. All of our measurements are traceable to UK National Standards.

Environmental Monitoring services at NPL

Our airborne emissions and ambient air sampling and analysis services are accredited to ISO 17025. All are underpinned by the latest research.

We carry out remote sensing of gaseous emissions worldwide, using DIAL (Differential Absorption Lidar). We also offer advice and measurements for Greenhouse Gas Reporting.

We are entrusted by Defra, the Environment Agency and the National Environment Research Council (NERC) to lead UK monitoring networks, and for the provision of traceable measurements for climate change models.

Collaboration

Contact us
Use our contact form to get in touch with the Environmental Measurement team, or ring us on +44 20 8943 8637.
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Analysis of Gases Awareness Forum (AGAF)
We are a forum for anyone interested in gas analysis: air quality, emissions, legislation, standards and more.
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Environmental News

A breath of fresh air…
NPL's air quality work has been featured in The Sunday Times.
NPL detects benzene leaks in the Port of Rotterdam
The NPL DIAL facility recently helped the Dutch Environmental Protection Agency detect benzene leaks in the Port of Rotterdam, which covers 105 square kilometres and contains a number of large refineries.
Monitoring Europe’s air quality
NPL has a major role in the new EU co-funded project AirMonTech, which will make recommendations to the Commission on how to revise legislation covering air quality in Europe, and on what research is needed to help with this decision.

History

NPL's environmental monitoring capability began with the launch of the first Concorde, and has been growing ever since.
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Acoustics

Advanced Materials

Biotechnology

Chemical Metrology

Electrochemistry

Electromagnetics

Engineering Measurements