NPL: The UK's National Metrology Institute

We are in the middle of a digital revolution - in our homes, lives and workplaces. Metrology, the science of measurement, enables research, innovation, manufacturing and trade to flourish in the UK. Our scientists and engineers are supporting the UK’s digital journey, supporting innovation and improving the quality of our everyday lives using measurement science.

In this video, you'll hear from our apprentices, scientists and our CEO on our history, who we are and what we do today.

00:00 - A dive into the key moments in NPL's history, highlighting key individuals and turning points in measurement science.
00:38 - From a satellite above Earth, we zoom through the atmosphere down to NPL's Teddington site in London, UK.
00:56 - Frankie Falksohn, Assistant Research Scientist & Jamie Mewburn-Crook, Assistant Research Scientist introduce the video with who we are.
01:13 - NPL CEO Dr Peter Thompson - what metrology is and how it underpins our daily lives and can contribute to solutions for global challenges.
02:42 - Saskia Burke, Junior Measurement Scientist Apprentice - key contributions from NPL throughout history including the development of the internet and other areas of scientific computing.
03:13 - Martyn Sene, Special Advisor to CEO - the history of measurement standards and how and why NPL was established.
04:50 - Lewis Sturdy, Assistant Research Scientist and Martyn Sene discuss one of the earliest known uses of a measurement standard and traceability chain in history.
06:17 - Martyn Sene - a showcase of artefacts related to the work NPL did after the Second World War in electronic computing, including photos of work on the Pilot ACE - a project led by Alan Turing.
06:46 - Jamie Mewburn-Crook - the digitalisation of measurement standards and its importance to today's new and emerging technologies.
07:20 - Perdi Potgieter, Research Scientist - the redefinition of the kilogram and how it has improved.
07:57 - Richard Brown, Head of Metrology - the evolution of the international system of units (SI) and the redefinition of the base units.
09:33 - Louise Wright, Head of Digital Metrology - the changes that NPL is making and how our measurement services provide confidence in digital data.
11:36 - Pete Thompson - The theme of Open Day 2022 and how NPL's work underpins the future digital transformation of our world.

About Us

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is the UK's National Metrology Institute (NMI), developing and maintaining the national primary measurement standards, as well as collaborating with other NMIs to maintain the international system of measurement. As a public sector research establishment, we deliver extraordinary impact by providing the measurement capability that underpins the UK's prosperity and quality of life. We develop the metrology required to ensure the timely and successful deployment of new technologies and work with organisations as they develop and test new products and processes.

https://www.npl.co.uk/about-us