Our Strategic Partnerships
Long‑term, sustainable partnerships between the National Measurement Laboratory (NML), hosted at LGC, industry, academia and government strengthen the UK’s research, development and innovation ecosystem—bringing world‑class measurement science to local innovation districts, SMEs and NHS partners.
We are building stronger local roots across the UK through four Centres of Excellence, each embedded within its regional ecosystem and focused on high‑value sectors.
Centre for Advanced Measurement Research and Health Translation (CAMRHT) — University of Strathclyde (Glasgow)
The Centre for Advanced Measurement Research and Health Translation (CAMRHT) is a strategic partnership between the University of Strathclyde and the NML at LGC, based in the Glasgow City Innovation District. The Centre accelerates health and life‑sciences innovation by integrating Strathclyde’s research strengths with NML’s measurement science—supporting reliable diagnostics, manufacturing quality and workforce skills.
Focus areas and expertise
- Measurements for digital health and wellbeing, including advanced molecular and chemical imaging for cells and tissues.
- Adoption of best measurement practice across food & drink, chemicals and biotechnology manufacturing.
- A team structure that includes a Chair in Health Measurement, technical fellows and co‑funded doctoral posts to deliver industry engagement and training.
Updates from the Centre
Centre for Cell Metrology (Northern Cell Metrology Hub) — University of Leeds & Nexus (Leeds)
The Northern Cell Metrology Hub at Nexus, University of Leeds, extends NML at LGC’s national cell measurement capabilities and catalyses innovation in clinical diagnostics and medical technologies. It standardises single‑cell measurements using flow cytometry and bio‑imaging, helping industry achieve reliable, scalable solutions.
Leeds offers a connected health innovation ecosystem and access to specialist capabilities in the Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology—a strong base for imaging and cytometry that complements NML’s cell metrology.
Capabilities and expertise
- Imaging‑enhanced Attune CytPix Flow Cytometer (combines cell images with cytometry data); diverse platforms for cell viability, potency and impedance; Category 2 tissue culture suite.
- Ultra‑low –150 °C freezer, funded by West Yorkshire Combined Authority, for sustainable long‑term storage of cell banks and samples.
Updates from the Centre
Centre for Excellence in Agriculture & Food Integrity — Queen’s University Belfast, ASSET Technology Centre (Belfast)
This Centre is a national agrifood partnership between Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) and NML at LGC, hosted at QUB’s ASSET Technology Centre within the Institute for Global Food Security. The Centre applies innovative measurement science and digital technologies to make food and feed supply chains more sustainable, reliable, safe and productive.
ASSET is a leading analytical chemistry and mass‑spectrometry hub (including ambient ionisation platforms such as REIMS, DESI and DART) and is recognised by the Food Authenticity Network and DEFRA and designated by the IAEA as a collaborating centre—providing infrastructure for rapid contamination/adulteration detection across supply chains.
Updates from the Centre
Centre for Infectious Disease Diagnosis & Pandemic Preparedness — University of Liverpool & The Pandemic Institute (Liverpool)
Our strategic collaboration with The Pandemic Institute (TPI) aims to strengthen pandemic preparedness, build industry–academia links across the Liverpool City Region, and support the UK’s 100‑Days Mission for diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines. NML at LGC signed a Memorandum of Understanding in June 2024, with plans for a northwest base in The Spine (Knowledge Quarter Liverpool).
Focus areas and expertise
- Implementation of the CCQM Roadmap to Metrology Readiness for Infectious Disease Pandemic Response, led by the UK measurement community to deliver faster, standardised measurement support during outbreaks.
- Co‑develop metrology for Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) formulations to accelerate vaccine and nucleic‑acid therapeutics development.
Updates from the Centre
How to work with our Centres
Each Centre co locates NML scientists with university partners, offering joint research, method validation, training, and access to reference measurement infrastructure. From advanced cell measurements to pandemic ready diagnostics and agrifood traceability, we help organisations de risk innovation and scale with confidence.
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.