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.

[National Measurement Institute logo animates into full view. Uplifting music plays.]

From early civilisation to the digital world of today, we have measured the world to understand it. 

[View of night sky over gum trees. Man pressing button on an iPad with home temperature control icons. A sextant and compass on historical maps. View of earth from space orbiting the sun.] 

The passing of time.

[A microwave oven timer being pressed by a person.]

The weight of products.

[A person placing bananas on a supermarket scale.]

The flow of electricity.

[Close up of an electrical light globe.]

The brightness of light.

[Traffic lights changing from red to green.]

Measurement affects everything we do.

[A city street scape at nighttime with cars passing by. Pan out to an aerial shot of a city with connecting data lines moving in many directions.] 

The National Measurement Institute is Australia's trusted measurement authority.

[The National Measurement Institute building in Sydney, Australia] 

Our measurement system and standards give Australians confidence in technology and trade across a rapidly changing world.

[An animated diagram depicting the International System of Units on a maroon background. Camera moves to a close-up of the kilogram section to reveal a man placing fish on a scale in a market. A city street scape with trams and cars and pedestrians walking.] 

New measurement standards and capabilities are needed all the time as technology evolves and as our needs in society and trade change.

[A man looking at an iPad in front of an aeroplane engine that is highlighted with digital animation. Aerial view of a ship port with an overlay of numbers moving across the screen.] 

Accurate measurement drives global trade.

[Measurement scientist in a lab conducting a measurement with a laser beam.] 

We support the productivity and growth of Australian industries by opening new markets and trade opportunities.

[Aerial view of tractor and truck harvesting a grain crop. Aerial view of a road train driving in the Australian desert.] 

Our robust research and testing enable trade between nations and strengthen our ability to manufacture and produce in Australia.

[Aerial view of a cargo ship loaded with cargo at sea. A woman in a warehouse checking inventory on an iPad.] 

Our measurement laws underpin commerce and trade.

[Street scape with people walking past a digital trade screen showing trade data.]

We help create a level playing field between buyers and sellers to ensure they get what they pay for.

[View of street market with a busy crowd of people moving through it.] 

From putting petrol in the car to buying groceries at the supermarket, we check that the measuring instruments used for trade are correct.

[A woman putting petrol in her car at a petrol station at sunset. Supermarket staff member handing a customer her receipt and smiling. A trade measurement officer placing weights onto a weighing machine at a market.]

Our research supports everyday life, making it safer, more productive and future ready. 

[A woman using an augmented reality device to look at a street map while walking outside. Family with four young children preparing a meal in a modern kitchen. A middle aged adult woman with a smartwatch analysing data while exercising outdoors. Grandfather measuring his grandchildren’s heights on doorway at home. Closeup of an old Asian man sleeping at night wearing a smartwatch to monitor sleep status.] 

We create the measurement standards and methods for new renewable industries to support energy security.

[Drone clip flying towards rows of wind turbines in rural Australia. Text on screen reads ‘Supporting Australia’s energy transition’. Aerial view of solar panel farm in Australia.] 

We help create a future with reliable, low emissions technologies to power our homes, our transport and our industries.

[Two electrical engineers looking at a solar panel outside. Two workers install a solar panel at a solar farm. Person on a house roof checking rooftop solar panels. Close up of woman charging her electric car at an outdoor station. A male electrical engineer walking in a field at sunset at an electric power station.] 

Measurement plays a crucial role in protecting our society.

[Timelapse of Sydney streetscape with city traffic and pedestrians] 

We are pioneering new ways to detect prohibited substances and reduce the illicit drug trade.

[Female measurement scientist in a laboratory setting up a forensic test. Text on screen reads ‘Innovation in forensic and drug testing’. Close up of forensic drug test including vials and automated pipette taking samples.]

We empower law enforcement to disrupt illegal networks and protect the community against emerging drug threats.

[Bags of drugs seized by Australian Border Force lined up on the ground with Australian Border Force in background. Police escorting a young handcuffed woman into a police station.] 

We support the fight to protect the integrity of competition and the promotion of clean sport.

[Aerial view of five male athletes competing in a running relay race on a running track. Text on screen ‘Promotion of clean sport’. Slow motion shot of a professional swimmer training in a lap pool.]

As a World Anti-Doping Agency accredited laboratory, we help create a level playing field for all.

[Close up of a laboratory test being undertaken in the Australian Sports Drug Testing Laboratory, with an automated robotic pipette taking sample from vials. Slow motion wide low angle of a female high jumper jumping over the bar and landing on the mat.] 

 

Measurement is the foundation that gives us confidence in the world around us and helps shape the future for generations to come.

[An animated diagram of the International System of Units on a maroon background. Each segment fades to an image representing the relevant measurement unit. This includes: a shopkeeper and a trade measurement officer checking weights, a tape measure, a timer on a microwave oven, a lightbulb, an electronic weather station, a trade measurement officer checking fuel at a petrol pump and a traffic light. Diagram fades to image of wide view of Earth in space, centred on the Australian continent.]

 

We create trusted measurement for a fair, safe, healthy, and competitive Australia.

[Camera zooms to an aerial shot of a city with connecting data lines moving in many directions.] 
[Video ends with the aerial shot of data lines moving into a grid of 9 images, representing scenes from the video. Fades to time lapse of night sky over gumtrees. With a final white panel showing the Australian Government, Department of Industry, Science and Resources crest and National Measurement Institute logo in the centre of the screen.] 

[end transcript]

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. 

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

    The National Measurement Institute offers a testing and analytical services for environmental, food and agriculture, and health and pharmaceutical sectors.
  • 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’re 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. Our work 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. We also improve on 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. 

Learn more about us

  • Chief Metrologist | Chief Executive Officer, National Measurement Institute
    Bruce is the Chief Metrologist and CEO of Australia’s peak body for measurement, the National Measurement Institute (NMI).

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