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

    • 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.
      More

    • TB or not TB

      NPL and Orla Protein Technologies have taken a step closer to differential diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis - the bacterium that causes tuberculosis.
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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.

    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 Activites

  • 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.

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# Guides
NPL Guides allow you to make better measurements and
obtain reproducible data.
If you cannot find what you are looking for, please contact us.

NPL guides aim to improve measurement understanding and technical abilities across the UK and the rest of the world.

They describe good current practice and are produced with technical input from specialists in the particular subject covered.

There are guides for everyone, from the 'beginner’s guides' to measurement and uncertainty that provide introductions to basic measurement concepts, to more specialised guides useful for measurement professionals and practising scientists.

View NPL Guides ordered by:

Other useful resources include educational and scientific posters , as well as our FAQs that may be able to help with measurement questions.

Selected guides

Beginner's Guide to Measurement

This Beginner's Guide is for those that are new to measurement, to provide an introduction to metrology (the science of measurement).

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A Beginner's Guide to Uncertainty of Measurement

A gentle and short introduction to uncertainty of measurement for beginners, including laboratories preparing for UKAS accreditation. The guide explains the concept and importance of measurement uncertainty, using examples from everyday life.

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Estimating Uncertainties in Testing

This guide follows on from A Beginner's Guide to Uncertainty of Measurement, developing treatment of the subject to a level intended for testing laboratories.

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