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Innovation R&D

This programme develops novel existing science to underpin metrological innovation in the UK where two aims are coincident

  • The direction given by the Technology Strategy Board with the aim of developing the metrologies required in key areas;
  • The strategic priorities for research embodied in government policies.

The key technology areas identified at present are:

  • Advanced materials
  • Nanotechnologies
  • Information and communication technologies
  • Biosciences
  • Electronics, photonics and electrical systems
  • High value manufacturing

The strategic research priorities are:

Energy: maximising the cleanliness of the main sources of energy and security of supply.

Transport: development of cleaner transport platforms, and a future look towards fuel efficient transport and intelligent transport systems.

Environmental Sustainability: focus on the food industry, in particular water usage and packaging waste. Near future focus on construction industry and low carbon homes.

Security: chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear issues, national emergencies and commercial security.

Healthcare: focus on roadblocks to innovation in therapies and diagnostics, followed by the development of platform technologies and their integration into a ‘telehealth’ scenario.

Communications: focus on system reliability, security and human system interfaces for healthcare, assisted living, low carbon homes and intelligent transport.

The aims of the Programme are:

  • To develop the underpinning measurement science required to provide the tools that will help accelerate technological innovation, support wealth creation, and enhance prosperity, industrial competitiveness and quality of life of UK citizens.
  • To lead the application of underpinning metrology in the UK and, where it is beneficial to the UK, on the wider international stage.
  • To provide support for multidisciplinary and collaborative research in particular with universities, National Measurement Institutes and European initiatives such as the EMRP
  • To transfer the outputs of the Programme in terms of knowledge and technology to UK users, including business, SMEs, regulators and trade bodies.
  • To enhance the content of the relevant NMS knowledge base Programmes by introducing new measurement techniques into those Programmes when they become mature enough to support trade, and require development of standards and infrastructure leading to global acceptance of measurement methods.
  • To underpin the development of metrology capabilities in the knowledge base Programmes.

The program is delivered by three main contractors, NPL, LGC and TUV NEL.

 

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