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.

    • Order from disorder

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

    • Radiotherapy doses to be more accurate

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

    • 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.
  • 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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News

  • Measurement in Sport

    NPL has produced a series of educational posters celebrating Measurement in Sport.

  • NPL's quality service business goes global

    NPL has supported the Brien Holden Vision Institute in Australia with guidance on best practice in quality assurance.

  • 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.

NPL tweets

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

  • 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

  • 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

Events

Image gallery

  • Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) measures the temperatures and heat flow in materials as a function of time and temperature, providing information about physical and chemical changes that involve a change in heat capacity or external temperature.
     
  • The electromagnetic anechoic chamber is used to calibrate antennas at frequencies up to 18GHz. The room is specially designed to absorb any and all electromagnetic waves, allowing precise measurements to be made without interference.
     
  • The NPL apparatus for single molecule imaging. By using three lasers (red, green and blue) we can use three different colours of fluorescence, enabling us to monitor up to three different types of molecule in the same experiment.
     
  • A polyurethane tile developed as an acoustic absorber for sonar frequency water tanks. The tile, developed through proof-of-concept funding, has properties which make it very absorbing and minimally reflective to water-borne sound above a frequency of 20 kHz.
     
  • This strontium end cap ion trap could redefine the way that the world measures the second. Current time measurements are made using caesium fountain clocks, but the team working on the ion trap clocks estimate that they could measure time up to 1000 times more accurately.
     
  • The UV Dosimeter, created by scientists at NPL, helps to minimise the risk of ultraviolet treatment by measuring the dose given as accurately as possible. UV treatment is used for skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
     

Flickr

Latest photos from our Flickr account.
  • The panel with Sir Peter Williams
  • NPL's Nigel Fox answering a question
  • Attendee asking a question to the panel
  • The panel
  • Sir Peter Williams chairs the panel session
  • Listening to a question
  • Jane Burston, Head of the Centre for Carbon Measurement
  • Jane Burston gives her speech
  • Jane Burston launches the centre

Centre for Carbon Measurement

CCM Homepage Logo

NPL launches the Centre for Carbon Measurement to drive the UK's low carbon economy...

Find out more

Featured

  • Training to measure and model antennas [Featured]

    In 2011's Annual Review you will find over 70 highlights of NPL's achievements throughout the year...

  • Hidden identities on the www / web [Featured]

    NPL has been selected to conduct a study of Privacy and Proxy abuse on the internet...

  • Measurement in 2020

    NPL's vision for the future and what metrology will be able to achieve in the 2020s...

Lectures