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We continue to invest in apprenticeships across NPL and in 2022 had 30 apprentices across science, engineering, measurement science and business administration programmes, filling our talent pipeline for the future.
In 2022 we hosted two students on the Government-led kick starter programme, which offers young people claiming Universal Credit, a six-month work placement.
NPL Academy was rebooted post-pandemic as a week-long online work placement, providing 47 students with work experience in 8 areas of science and business. We increased our national reach, with participants taking part from all over the UK.
We hosted 100 civil service colleagues from the Government's Science and Engineering Fast Stream programme.
“I love working at NPL because of the brilliant diversity and culture that resonates throughout the staff. There are so many rewarding aspects to being a scientist at NPL, but the one that stands out above all is knowing what a massive impact the work we are doing is making around the world!”
Katie Obee, Junior Science Apprentice, Dimensional Metrology
Saskia Burke, Assistant Research Scientist was the first recipient of the Glazebrook Apprentice Award for her ability to process complex theory and apply this practically, as well recognition for the wide variety of outreach activities she has immersed herself in since joining NPL.
In 2022 students transitioned into a post-pandemic world of blended physical and digital engagement, delivering critical measurement solutions to diverse global challenges:
34 new students were recruited
The range of destinations of PGI alumni include:
“Over three years in the PGI I’ve attended a wide range of events, including workshops on practical and personal skills development, technical training, and also had the opportunity to present my work at the annual conference. It’s been wonderful to connect with a wide network of students working on a diverse range of scientific applications that are all linked by metrology.”
Rachel Clark, Postgraduate Researcher from Cardiff University
During 2022 we launched a programme of collaboration with two international partners, the University of São Paulo and INMETRO in Brazil.
“[The PGI] has provided me with valuable metrology knowledge and the chance to be involved in an international research project related to my PhD. I feel confident to bring the acquired skills and knowledge back to my country.” Renán Quijano, talking about the skills he developed as a postgraduate researcher and how they could be implemented to benefit his native country, Mexico.
"The PGI is shaping collaborative research and providing a portal for PhD engagement that is inclusive, sustainable and agile to partners across the globe." Dr Peter Thompson, Chief Executive Officer
Disseminating information about new results and sharing our original research with other scientists is essential for the evolution of science.
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Dr Xiaobang Shang, Senior Research Scientist, was awarded the highly prestigious Roberto Sorrentino Prize, which recognises an outstanding young professional who has distinguished technical achievements within the microwave field.
Helen Margolis, Head of Science, Time and Frequency and Senior NPL Fellow: “This is a disruptive new technique that transforms existing submarine cables into arrays of environmental sensors. It has the potential to revolutionise monitoring of the Earth by real-time and continuous acquisition of environmental data from the bottom of seas and oceans for the first time.”
Fernando Castro, Head of Science for Materials: “This is the first publication to discuss uncertainty and reproducibility in electrochemical measurements, providing a metrology-led perspective on best practice for measurements that are often challenging to reproduce quantitatively.”
Alex Shard, Departmental Head of Science, Chemical & Biological Sciences: “The extraordinary response to this study exemplifies the pressing need for establishing best practice in the measurement of colloidal number concentration, which is crucial to evaluating the efficiency of a manufacturing process, monitoring batch-to-batch variability, performing risk assessments and developing the next generation of products.”
NPL’s Outreach programme delivers an exciting range of activities to support the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) agenda. As we transitioned out of the pandemic, online activities continued to reach broad audiences, but we were also able to return to face-to-face activities which enabled quality connections with students from schools and colleges.
656 NPL people (41% of which were women) enabled 17 online and 109 in-person visits to schools, science fairs and other public engagement activities.
Over the course of the year, our activities reached over 33,000 people.
Our scientists and engineers are supporting the UK’s digital journey, supporting innovation and improving the quality of our lives using measurement science. In this video, you'll hear from apprentices, scientists and our CEO on our history, who we are and what we do today.
Andrew Hanson MBE, Outreach Manager was number 2 in London for number of engagements, and number 3 for number of volunteering hours over the last 12 months.
NPL opened its doors to the public to celebrate World Metrology Day on May 20th.
450 staff members welcomed 2,725 visitors to our Teddington site with 59 exhibits on view, from laboratories to a stand on NPL’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and the ever popular liquid nitrogen demonstration. Visitors rated the open day an average of 4.5/5 stars
“A fantastic way to communicate what NPL does and promote science in general. I have a myriad physics questions and to be able to ask a PhD about their topic is a joy”
“The whole experience was exceptional. Everybody involved at NPL including gate security, catering, scientific staff etc. went out of their way to be helpful and informative”
Diversity and inclusion are critical to our vision to deliver extraordinary impact and be an exemplary national laboratory that employs people from around the world. In 2022, NPL launched a 5-year strategy, which sets out our plans to extend and embed activities across the organisation in a meaningful and impactful way and help identify new opportunities to ensure that all people are supported to succeed.
We became a signatory of the Race at Work Charter, an initiative to support businesses to collectively commit to improving opportunities for those from minority ethnic backgrounds.
We successfully renewed our Institute of Physics Project Juno Practitioner accreditation, which recognises action taken to address the underrepresentation of women in physics and encourages better practice for men and women.
Emma Haynes leads a new Partnerships Directorate and explains: “NPL’s Partnerships Directorate convenes and develops enduring, challenge-focused collaborations to address national and global problems to support the development of critical technologies and maximise the impact from science. Focusing on priority innovation challenges, 2022 saw us deliver major programmes of work to create impact across the UK.”
In 2022 we established a newly formed ESG directorate focused on driving future environmental, societal and governance initiatives. Initial priorities were to develop an environmental strategy and establish a strengthened assurance capability.
NPL offered fast-track employment opportunities to suitable candidates who fled Ukraine to find safety in another country. The Ukraine employment support scheme resulted in 2 placements within NPL and advice for around 100 candidates on CVs, relocation and interviews.
Dr Peter Thompson, CEO, was awarded the 2022 IOP Richard Glazebrook medal and prize for outstanding leadership of the NPL and the sustained impact of metrology on UK prosperity and quality of life.
Measurement plays a key role in innovation by providing the tools and knowledge needed to design and improve new technologies.
Read moreProviding access to cutting-edge standards speeds up industrial innovation, increases competition, creates new markets and boosts investment.
Read moreA resilient measurement infrastructure means measurements in the UK can be made with integrity and consistency.
Read moreOur research and measurement solutions support innovation and product development. We work with companies to deliver business advantage and commercial success.
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