A Parliamentary and Scientific Committee event

The session began with a historical overview of metrology, presented by Professor Gareth Hinds, a Senior Fellow at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL).

On May 20, 2025, NPL celebrated its 125th anniversary, coinciding with World Metrology Day. This year also marks the 150th anniversary of the metric system, highlighting the critical role of measurement in various fields. Established over a century ago, NPL is the UK’s national metrology institute, funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

Early standards in measurement laid the groundwork for modern practices, and NPL’s commitment extends to applications such as the ventilation systems in the Houses of Parliament and the Big Ben clock.

Dr. Andrew Pollard discussed advancements in materials science, emphasising the sustainable development of materials. Graphene has emerged as a super-material, but quality control remains a challenge. NPL’s rigorous standards drive innovation while ensuring safety and effectiveness.

Dr. Ana Lourenço highlighted the role of metrology in healthcare, specifically addressing the disparity in funding for radiotherapy. While radiotherapy constitutes 50% of cancer treatment, it receives only 5% of the cancer budget. NPL provides advanced calibration techniques to NHS radiotherapy centres, ensuring consistent and accurate dosages.

Professor Josephine Bunch discussed the future of metrology amid digital transformation, emphasising the need for precise error calculations and reliable machine learning systems. NPL is exploring innovative solutions for tracking air quality and biodiversity, integrating technology into environmental science to enhance early diagnoses in medical settings.

Liveryman Eur Ing Samuel Marchant

The Parliamentary and Scientific Committee is an All-Party Parliamentary Group funded by Membership – for details go to https://www.scienceinparliament.org.uk/