Science Programmes
The NMS Programmes have undergone a formulation exercise involving a wide range of consultations with over two hundred stakeholders from research organisations, industrial and non-industrial end users, public organisations and the National Measurement Institutes.
The Knowledge Base
The knowledge base consists of five programmes which develop the extensive existing capability and facilities of the UK National Measurement Institutes. Around 39% of the NMS effort is focussed on the core function of maintaining and extending the capability of the measurement infrastructure and the provision of top-level standards and certified reference materials. The programmes typically address a current well-defined public, legislative or industrial need.
NMS Innovation R&D
The Innovation R&D (IRD) programme was developed to support ‘challenge-led innovation’ to meet emerging industry and societal needs and is delivered by the UK National Measurement Institutes. The programme will respond to government policies, support innovation in key technologies, and increase competiveness and economic growth.
Underpinning Metrology
The Underpinning Metrology consists of two programmes which serve the needs of the Knowledge Base programmes. Pathfinder is designed to address the next generation of measurement needs, such as new primary standards and the long term development of the SI Units. Mathematics & Modelling Metrology (MMM) is designed to address the current and emerging needs of the NMS programmes for generic techniques for modelling, such as simulation, algorithm design, signal analysis and measurement uncertainty.
Cross-Cutting Metrology
The Cross-Cutting Metrology consists of two strategic programmes that operate for the benefit of the whole of the NMS portfolio. The programme represents the NMS on an EU and Global scale. Its projects contribute to international initiatives that bring benefits to the UK through collaboration and coordination, as well as gathering information to assist policy formation.
Regulatory Metrology
Regulatory Metrology is delivered by the Chemical & Biological Metrology programme. Its aim is to improve the accuracy and reliability of chemical and bioanalytical measurements that are important to the UK’s industrial competitiveness and quality of life. The programme achieves this aim through the application of leading-edge science and the development of improved measurement technology to underpin some of the most challenging and important measurements made in the UK.
