4 minute read

A milestone for UK engineering biology

By Max Ryadnov, NPL Fellow (Engineering Biology) 

On 3 November, the UK took a significant step forward in engineering biology with the official opening of the UK Reference Biofoundry at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL). The facility was opened by Lord Vallance, Minister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear, marking a milestone in the nation’s capability to support innovation and scale in this transformative field. 

Engineering biology is one of the six frontier technologies identified in the UK’s modern industrial strategy, alongside AI, quantum, semiconductors, cyber security, and advanced connectivity. These technologies are expected to drive future growth, strengthen national security, and enhance economic sovereignty.  

Among them, engineering biology stands out for its potential to revolutionise industries from healthcare and agriculture to materials and energy by enabling breakthroughs such as converting waste into sustainable chemicals, developing new materials, and addressing global food security. 

As Lord Vallance emphasised, metrology and standards will become increasingly vital as industries move toward biological production as a defining characteristic.  

Without robust measurement and traceability, innovation risks stalling before it reaches the market. The UK Reference Biofoundry addresses this gap by providing the metrology and standards infrastructure that engineering biology desperately needs to scale confidently. 

By embedding measurement and traceability at the heart of engineering biology, NPL will ensure that the outputs of this field are not only ground-breaking, but reliable, safe and fit for purpose. That’s how we turn innovation into impact.

Lord Vallance

Agnostic capability for industry 

The NPL biofoundry is application-agnostic, designed to serve diverse sectors across industry. Its capabilities are evolving to support existing and emerging industry needs and include: 

• Automated, high-throughput workflows for characterising engineered cells and biomolecules. 
• Computational, synthesis to analytical tools to ensure reproducibility and traceability in biological systems. 
• Standards development to underpin regulatory compliance and accelerate commercialisation. 

By embedding measurement science at the heart of engineering biology, the facility enables innovators to turn ideas into impact – whether that’s in pharmaceuticals, sustainable chemicals, or advanced materials. 

Driving innovation from lab to market 

Government investment into engineering biology, from curiosity-driven research to mission hubs, reflects a clear commitment to this area in the UK. the UK Reference Biofoundry is that missing link for the critical role that standards and metrology play in innovation. Scaling engineering biology is challenging, but essential for translating research into products and services.  

This facility positions the UK among a very select group globally – there is only one other comparable centre worldwide – giving British innovators a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving landscape. 

Looking ahead 

Engineering biology is a recognised strategic enabler for sustainable growth. By investing in measurement and standards, the UK is laying the foundation for industries that will define the future. Industries that can convert waste into valuable resources, create resilient food systems, or develop next-generation materials. 

The opening of the UK Reference Biofoundry is a milestone. It demonstrates how collaboration between government, science, and industry can unlock innovation and deliver impact at scale. 

Learn more about NPL’s work in metrology for engineering biology and the UK Reference Biofoundry

04 Dec 2025