First public open day in 20 years for National Physical Laboratory

NPL is the UK's measurement institute and a world-leading centre of excellence in developing and applying the most accurate standards, science and technology available. Its facilities are among the world's most extensive and sophisticated for measurement science. There will be a variety of laboratories open, showcasing the many ways in which measurement underpins different industries, and the lecture theatre will host a programme of short talks ranging from the History of NPL to tasters of the Celebrating Science lectures. The open day celebrates World Metrology Day, an annual celebration of how the science of measurement affects our lives. NPL is the home of the metre, the kilogram and the second. Its work plays a vital part in the modern world, underpinning all aspects of manufacturing and engineering, from planes and buildings to nano materials, from chemotherapy machines to power generation infrastructure. It also shapes many aspects of out everyday lives which we often take for granted. NPL has measured the lottery balls to ensure they're the right size and calibrated the coloured tile which determines the shade of ketchup. NPL also has a rich history in scientific innovation. It is the birthplace of packet switching, the technology of the internet, the place where Turing helped develop the ACE Computer and where the bouncing bomb was tested. For more information and how to register to attend, visit the events section here.