3 minute read
The UK Government has today announced the establishment of a new Centre for AI Measurement, to be led by NPL. The centre is a cornerstone of the AI Assurance Innovation Fund, designed to accelerate the development of secure, transparent and trustworthy AI technologies.
As high-capability AI systems become more integrated into the economy, the new centre will address the critical need for scientifically robust approaches for AI assurance, the process of identifying and mitigating risks before they impact businesses or the public. The centre will offer the collaborative environment required to undertake research while also providing expertise and support to empower industry, startups and researchers looking to develop and pilot technical assurance tools, with the aim of moving trustworthy AI assurance tools to market faster.
As the UK’s National Metrology Institute, NPL already plays a vital role in developing tools and approaches to increase confidence in AI. For example, through NPL’s Life Cycle for Trustworthy and Safe Artificial Intelligence. Alongside the new centre, NPL is a founding partner of the AI Standards Hub, an initiative dedicated to shaping global standards for AI. The AI Standards Hub Global Summit is taking place 16-17 March in Glasgow, with a focus on the interplay between AI standards, measurement and assurance.
By underpinning AI assurance with metrology (the science of measurement), the new centre aims to give the UK a distinct competitive advantage, positioning the nation as a global leader in AI adoption.
Dr Peter Thompson, CBE, CEO of NPL said: “The UK has world-class expertise in AI and through the creation of the Centre for AI Measurement, we aim to strengthen the UK’s leadership in developing and adopting secure and trustworthy AI. As the UK’s National Metrology Institute, NPL will work with industry and lead in developing and validating scientifically robust technical AI assurance capabilities, ensuring the centre becomes an independent national resource that supports development of the UK’s AI technical assurance capabilities, economic growth and national security.”
AI Minister Kanishka Narayan, said: “Robust, trusted tools for assessing the safety and effectiveness of emerging AI systems are essential for businesses to deploy them with confidence. That’s why it is one of the key pillars of the AI Opportunities Action Plan.
“The centre delivers on that promise - uniting industry, start-ups and researchers to create new ways for organisations to identify and mitigate risks early. In the long-term, this will help speed up the adoption of AI – keeping the UK in pole position for cutting-edge AI innovations.”
29 Jan 2026