The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is one of the UK's leading science and research facilities and a centre of excellence in developing and applying the most accurate measurement standardsThese standards underpin an infrastructure of traceability throughout the UK and the world that ensures accuracy and consistency, which:  

• improves productivity and quality;   
• underpins consumer confidence and trade;
• and is vital to innovation.

Part of NPL’s remit is to maintain one of the world's most comprehensive national capabilities for measuring electromagnetic quantities across the spectrum from DC via RF and microwave up to terahertz frequencies and beyond.  NPL's national electromagnetic standards form the basis of a UK traceability chain that ensures all companies, institutions and research labs in the UK can have access to accurate reliable standards that are constantly updated to ensure their continued relevance.

As part of NPL's role to support UK technological innovation, the laboratory provides consultancy on electromagnetic measurement and supports R & D in areas that are important for the national economy.  At RF and microwave frequencies the laboratory has excellent research facilities for complex waveform measurement and for developing new capability in wireless communications.  The laboratory is one of only a few in the world with expertise in metrology to support exposure standards of field strength and specific absorption rate.