National Measurement Institute

What we do

We play an important role in the Australian economy by leading Australia’s measurement system.

We:

develop and maintain national measurement standards that are recognised internationally
deliver world-class measurement products, advice and client services
administer the regulatory framework for measurement.

Our work adapts to, services and enhances the productivity and growth of Australian industries, and aims to ensure a fair, safe, healthy and competitive Australia.

Find out how we’re using measurement to help industry respond to COVID-19.

Show transcript

Dr Bruce Warrington: We rely on accurate and fit-for-purpose measurement everyday.

The National Measurement Institute is Australia’s peak measurement body, working to make sure you can trust physical, chemical, biological, legal, and trade measurements.

Kitty Fen: NMI maintains Australia’s top-level standards for a broad range of measurements. From mass, length, and time to light, electrical quantities, temperature and amounts of chemical and biological substance. Our scientists work to ensure that measurements are consistent across Australia and accepted worldwide. Our aim is to support a fair, safe, healthy and competitive Australia.

Stephanie Deller: Our Trade Measurement inspectors are checking that weighing scales and fuel pumps are accurate throughout Australia.

Dr Chris Thomas: We calibrate, test and certify a wide range of instruments, gauges and components.

Dr Raymond Satumba: Our work involves producing chemical reference materials including reference gas mixtures. These standards support international comparability and underpin trade for major export industries such as LNG.

Dr Angela Samuel: Our experts support the integrity of Australia’s measurement system, through participation and global frameworks that reduce technical barriers to trade. NMI’s internationally recognised capabilities are disseminated to Australian industry and other stakeholders through activities such as service delivery, training and technical advice.

Richard Tea: We play an important role in ensuring Australians are healthy and live in a clean and safe environment.

Dr Shiva Prasad: NMI works together with state and federal government departments, industries, researchers and agencies to address health and environmental challenges.

Jesuina De Araujo: Our scientists look for traces of chemicals and pollutants in imported and exported food, agricultural produce, air, water and soil.

Dr Martina Koeberl: They analyse our food for nutritional content and identify any allergens they may contain.

Dr Thish De Silva: We also test Australian defence personnel’s food ration packs for stability and vitamin content.

Dr Victoria Coleman: Our work on nanomaterials helps develop novel applications, for example in nanomedicine, and to assist others to make sure they are safe and effective.

Dr Somanath Bhat: We are working towards more effective cancer diagnostics.

Deborah Yen: As the only World Anti-Doping Agency approved laboratory in Oceania, we help to ensure sport is clean and everyone is on a level playing field.

Julian Russo: And we play a role working with the Australian Federal Police testing illicit drugs for intelligence information.

Dr Winston Yan: Accurate and precision measurement is important for industry. We help Australian industry be more competitive and innovative.

Dr Yabai He: We can tailor measurement solutions to help solve industries’ challenges and they ensure they remain on the cutting edge.

Dr Ilya Budovsky: We also develop unique measurement instruments ourselves.

Salam Matalka: We provide industries with access to our unique specialist facilities, supported by our expert staff.

Voice over: And we provide specialist training in measurement and quality assurance.

Mario Zamora: Our pattern approval role allows us to certify the design of measuring instruments used for trade and legal purposes. We also support manufacturers designing accurate and reliable equipment.

Dr Bakir Babic: Our broad and deep expertise is underpinned by a proud tradition of cutting edge research and technical excellence,

Sebastian Barone: and we aspire to partner with the best in Australia and overseas to continue that tradition.

Dr Bruce Warrington: NMI is here to help make Australia a better place through better measurement.

Developing and maintaining national measurement standards

We develop and maintain Australia’s physical, chemical and biological measurement standards:

to ensure Australian measurements are traceable to the International System of Units (SI)
to realise the legal units of measurement
to underpin our world-class measurement products and client services.

We aim to continually improve our measurement standards and techniques. Our programs are driven by advances in science and technology, and industry and researchers' increasing demand for greater measurement accuracy.

Australia's measurement system

Australia’s measurement system covers physical, chemical, biological, legal and trade measurement.

Buying and selling goods and services by weight and other measurements

Trade measurement laws apply to all retail and wholesale transactions where measurement determines price.

Delivering world-class measurement products and client services

Measurement is integral to a successful economy, including the progress of innovation and science, and ensuring Australian consumers can rely on trusted measurements for fair trade in goods and services.

Physical measurement services

We offer the most accurate physical measurement services in Australia.

Chemical and biological measurement services

Find our range of chemical and biological reference materials, chemical and gas proficiency testing services, and advice about how to deposit biological materials for patents.

Testing and analytical services

We offer an extensive range of testing and analytical services.

Measurement training and assessment

Non-accredited courses in biological, chemical and physical metrology, verifier and weighbridge operator training and nationally accredited assessments for verifiers and weighbridge operators (RTO code 91419).

Using measurement to address some of Australia’s biggest societal and economic challenges

We work with industry, researchers, and government, as well as our international partners, to address some of Australia’s biggest societal and economic challenges.

Our specialised measurement capabilities also support applications in advanced manufacturing, defence and security, and many other areas important to Australia.

Environment sector

We are using measurement to help protect our environment. We support environmental management of pollutants, including research into new contaminants of concern and greenhouse gases.

Energy sector

We support energy security including developing methods for electrical measurements, and producing internationally comparable reference gases for the natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) industries.

Health sector

We use measurement to support personalised healthcare and optimal health outcomes. This includes producing DNA reference materials to support genetic testing in cancer patients.

Food sector

We develop measurements in new areas like food provenance and fraud, as well as improved methods to accurately measure important nutrients like vitamin D and amino acids.

Celebrating metrology achievements

Each year on 20 May the world celebrates World Metrology Day. It marks the the anniversary of the international treaty adopting the metric system in 1875, and it's the day that we encourage awareness about the importance of measurement and its impact on our daily lives.