Our History
The National Measurement Laboratory (NML) at LGC has a long-standing legacy in supporting the UK’s national measurement capabilities. Originally established to underpin chemical analysis and ensure public protection, NML has grown into a leading centre for chemical and biological measurement.
2025
NML relocates to a new purpose designed laboratory in Guildford
In 2025, the NML relocated to Guildford. The new purpose-designed facility, based on the Surrey Research Park, creates a national and global hub for measurement science that supports biological and chemical measurement research now and into the future. It connects national capability with a thriving innovation ecosystem of academia, the health service, and industry.
2024
NML takes residence in the Spine building, establishing strategic connections with the Liverpool City Region
In 2024, NML established residence in the Spine building as the first step to establish strategic connections with the Knowledge Quarter Liverpool health and life sciences ecosystem.
2023
The Northern Cell Metrology Hub launched as part of a new NML strategic partnership with the University of Leeds
In 2023, the NML established its cell metrology expertise within The Northern Cell Metrology Hub, a new centre of innovation for clinical diagnostics and medical technology launched at the University of Leeds’ innovation community, Nexus as the first step in a strategic partnership with University of Leeds.
2022
Centre for Excellence in Agriculture and Food Integrity launched as part of a new NML strategic partnership with Queen’s University Belfast
In 2022, the Centre for Excellence in Agriculture and Food Integrity launched with Queen’s University Belfast as part of a new NML strategic partnership to enhance and future-proof the UK agrifood industry.
2019-2022
NML provide support for COVID-19 pandemic response
In 2019-2022, the NML supported the UK government pandemic response and led an international metrology community in the development of A Roadmap to Metrology Readiness for Infectious Disease Pandemic Response.
2019
DNA measurement laboratory opened at NML
In 2019, the first of its kind DNA Measurement Laboratory opened within the National Measurement Laboratory by Professor Dame Sue Hill, Chief Scientific Officer, NHS England, to underpin innovative diagnostic and therapeutic healthcare solutions.
2019
Centre for Advanced Measurement Research & Health Translation launched as part of a new NML strategic partnership with the University of Strathclyde
In 2019, the Centre for Advanced Measurement Research & Health Translation launched as part of a new NML strategic partnership with the University of Strathclyde to strengthen Scotland’s health and life sciences innovation ecosystem.
2008
New combined Chemical and Biological Measurement programme (CBM) funded by UK government
In 2008, a new combined Chemical and Biological Measurement programme (CBM) funded by UK government launched to address complex measurement challenges to improve competitiveness and quality of life.
2001
The first UK NMS government funding programme for biological metrology was established
In 2001, the first UK NMS government funding programme specifically for measurement for biology (MfB) was established. With rapid growth in the biotechnology and life sciences fields, this funding programme provided the infrastructure needed to ensure accurate, reproducible and validated measurement.
1999
Original signatory of the Mutual Recognition Agreement for the International Committee for Weights and Measures (CIPM)
In 1999, as part of the UK National Measurement System, NML became an original signatory of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA)- a foundational milestone in international Metrology.
The MRA was created to support international trade, regulatory compliance, and scientific collaboration by ensuring measurements are trusted and comparable globally.
1998
First UK programme to recognise need for chemical and biological measurement infrastructure
In 1988, the need to address the new and developing challenges of chemical and biological measurement was recognised and the then Government Chemist launched the first UK programme to develop a chemical and biological measurement infrastructure; the NML was born.
Originally established to underpin chemical analysis and ensure public protection, the NML has grown into a leading centre for chemical and biological measurement.
1993
Founding member of the Amount of Substance international committee to standardise chemical and biological measurements
In 1993, we contributed to establishing the BIPM’s Consultative Committee for Amount of Substance: Metrology in Chemistry and Biology (CCQM), an international committee which develops, improves and documents the equivalence of national standards (certified reference materials and reference methods) for chemical and biological measurements.
