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For people, place, prosperity and planet, we deliver impact with measurement science.

Research

Biometrology

We measure biological systems to support the development of new bioproducts and services

Developing biophysical measurements to understand the relationship between biological systems and processes

Biomolecular structure and function underpin all biological processes, including the effect of destructive diseases and pathogens on our cells and our bodies' defence mechanisms. Reliable measurement is crucial to understanding more about these complex processes, and how we can make use of them to improve healthcare.

By developing and using cutting-edge measurement tools and methods, we are applying our expanding knowledge of biological processes to help create new treatments and diagnostics, as well as make current ones more effective. Our research into the re-fitting of biological molecules and processes through synthetic biology could hold the key to overcoming antimicrobial resistance, and open up new possibilities for gene therapy.

We also work with industry to help translate innovation into applications in sectors ranging from biotechnology and drug development to agriculture and smart materials. Translating research into advanced treatments and cost-effective products relies on reproducibility, repeatability, traceability and comparability of measurement results. To realise this, we develop reference materials and methods for biological and physical parameters.

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Our research

We develop cutting edge measurement tools and methods to unlock new possibilities for real-world applications, from drug discovery to synthetic biology.

A UK centre for engineering biology metrology and standards

Leading development of engineering biology metrology and standards

Engineering biology tools and resources

UK leadership in engineering biology

Translational metrology for antimicrobial and drug discovery

We develop new measurement tools for the relationship between structure and activity in the fight against antimicrobial resistance

Engineering biology

Engineering biology (EngBio) has the potential to revolutionise how we diagnose, manage and treat disease, how we feed a growing population and how we interact with the planet in a more sustainable way.

Cellular metrology

We are quantifying intra- and extra-cellular processes to bring advanced medicinal products to market faster

International standardisation

We provide leadership in international metrology activities in the emerging area of biometrology, facilitating greater collaboration

Our services

NPL works with industry to help translate innovation into applications in sectors ranging from biotechnology and drug development to agriculture and smart materials. The creation of new treatments and cost-effective products relies on reproducibility, repeatability, traceability and comparability of measurement results.

Biometrology ensures robust and traceable measurements of biological systems, enabling the development of new bioproducts, treatments and diagnostics, as well as make current ones more effective. Our specialist services are designed to improve the productivity of the life sciences and health industry.

 

Case study

Optimising diagnostic beads for improved antibiotic treatment

Article

Case study

Using AI to convert food waste into sustainable chemicals

Article

Case study

Validating nanoparticles for calibration standards

Article

Case study

Characterising hydrogels for cancer treatment

Article

Case study

New subcellular imaging to support pharmaceutical innovation

Article

Our resources

Whether you’re looking for good practice guidance, more information on our research, or our latest publications, we have made a broad range of resources freely available.

Resources

Our team

Our people are leaders in their fields. Take a look at our Biometrology team.
View our team