World-leading measurement
science for an evolving future

The National Measurement Laboratory is the UK’s Designated
Institute for chemical and biological measurement

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Our mission

We provide the resilient measurement infrastructure for the health, food and sustainability sectors through the development and application of high quality world-leading measurement science – ensuring the safety of our medicines, enabling better and faster diagnostics, protecting the authenticity and safety of our food, and monitoring our environment.

Through the provision of reference measurement procedures, reference materials, calibration services, expert advice and specialist training, our expertise provides the confidence that public health, product safety and innovation rely on now and for the future.

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Our current priorities

Diagnostics
Engineering Biology
Nano Technology
Skills
Sustainability
Our Current Priorities

Testimonials

Much of the science that we benefit from every day, from new medicines to high food safety standards, is underpinned by the work of the National Measurement Laboratory and the Government Chemist. This new lab will ensure our facilities are fit for future as new opportunities develop in areas like advanced therapeutics and engineering biology, helping to improve lives and grow our economy through new discoveries.

Lord Patrick Vallance, Minister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).

Testimonials

The NML at LGC is a strategic national asset that is uniquely placed and fulfils a critical national role serving the public interest

The International Review of Science 2023

Testimonials

The National Measurement Laboratory at LGC is an integral and indispensable component of the UK’s National Measurement System, addressing the UK’s measurement needs in chemical and bio-metrology in an impactful and cost-effective way.

The International Review of Science 2023

Updates from National Measurement Laboratory

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Sound policy-making for future foods- Parliamentary event

4 September 2025

Making research matter: UK’s leading research organisations unite

4 September 2025

World-leading measurement capabilities for impact: celebrating scientific excellence

4 September 2025

Multimethod platform based on dynamic image analysis and spICP-MS for number-based quantification of microplastics

 

Species-specific isotope dilution methodology for the SI traceable quantification of serum human ferritin light chain (FTL)

 

The National Laboratories at LGC launch new purpose-designed facility in Guildford

4 September 2025

Get in touch

If you’re interested in exploring partnership opportunities with the NML or learning more about our measurement capabilities, we’d love to hear from you.

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