NPL's role as the UK's National Metrology Institute and a public sector research establishment is to support the implementation of government policy. We work with departments and agencies, including the Met Office, the Environment Agency and the NHS to enable them to make evidence-based decisions for the safe and effective delivery of public services.
We use our expertise to inform government policy and lead the delivery of the National Measurement System (NMS) with other UK designated institutes. Accurate measurement and standards underpin trade and are essential to increasing UK productivity and growth.
The work we do addresses UK national challenges and the delivery of the government’s strategy. Many of our collaborative research and development projects help to address priority areas such as clean growth, AI and data, the future of mobility and the health of society. For example, our research includes improving the accuracy of air quality monitoring, supporting the development of new hydrogen technologies and designing new ways to map cancer tumours. We are building the UK’s capabilities to test and verify products and services in new and emerging areas such as quantum technologies.
NPL uses its cutting-edge R&D and innovation expertise to contribute to Government policy. We provide technical solutions to policy needs, offer independent advice and undertake economic analysis.
We undertake regular economic analysis and evaluation of NPL, the National Measurement System and research and development strategy.
Research programmes
As a National Laboratory and the UK’s National Metrology Institute, NPL leads and participates in a number of government funded projects including the Analysis for Innovators programme, AMPI, the National Timing Centre programme and the NPL Quantum Programme. We use leading measurement science and expertise to create impact throughout the nation.