National Physical Laboratory
What we do
NPL is the UK’s National Metrology Institute, providing the measurement capability that underpins the UK's prosperity and quality of life.
From new antibiotics to tackle resistance and more effective cancer treatments, to secure quantum communications and superfast 5G, technological advances must be built on a foundation of reliable measurement to succeed. Building on over a century’s worth of expertise, our science, engineering and technology provides this foundation. We save lives, protect the environment and enable citizens to feel safe and secure, as well as support international trade and commercial innovation. As a national laboratory, our advice is always impartial and independent, meaning consumers, investors, policymakers and entrepreneurs can always rely on the work we do.
Based in Teddington, south-west London, NPL employs over 800 scientists. NPL also has regional bases across the UK, including at the University of Surrey, the University of Strathclyde, the University of Cambridge and the University of Huddersfield's 3M Buckley Innovation Centre.
How we can help
We help UK industry to use materials effectively for business benefit
Improving our understanding of the characteristics and behaviours of materials can help industry improve mechanical performance, sustainability and corrosion resistance. Our experts are supporting a broad range of projects helping industry to increase productivity and efficiency and develop new materials and products.
We work on the development of battery materials to accelerate the uptake of electric cars, test composites for higher performance infrastructure and work to make additive manufacturing more reliable. By ensuring that measurement standards and techniques keep pace with new technology, we can help bring new materials into commercial application faster.
By providing confidence in material performance and identifying opportunities to tailor properties in novel materials, our teams are also helping to unlock a range of engineering and manufacturing opportunities for UK businesses.