National Measurement Institute

We are the Australian Government’s national authority on measurement. We play an important role in the Australian economy by maintaining and regulating Australia’s measurement system, developing and maintaining national measurement standards, and delivering world-class measurement products and client services. 

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.

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 researcher’s increasing demand for greater measurement accuracy. 

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

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

Read about the work we do in some of our key sectors:

• Environment: we support environmental management of pollutants, including research into new contaminants of concern and greenhouse gases
• Food: 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
• Health: we produce DNA reference materials to increase the effectiveness of personalised healthcare, particularly in the area of genetic testing in cancer patients
• Energy: 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

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

Delivering world-class measurement products and client services 

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

Physical measurement services

Our physical measurement services include calibrations, contract research, consultancies, and instrument development across a range of physical quantities like time, mass and length. 

Chemical and biological measurement services 

Our chemical and biological measurement services include 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

Our testing and analytical services include food, agricultural and pharmaceutical safety, environmental monitoring and remediation (water, air, soil, biota), forensic drug and sports drug testing and profiling.  

Measurement training and assessment

We develop measurement skills across industry, government and the community by offering training courses, collaborative research projects, and by supervising under-graduate and post-graduate students. 

Student opportunities

We offer a variety of student opportunities including paid and unpaid opportunities for tertiary students, and hosting students for vocational placements and work experience.

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. 

In Australia, on World Metrology Day we celebrate the work and achievements of researchers in the measurement field by awarding the: 

• Barry Inglis Medal 
• NMI Prize 

Read more 

• Learn more about the National Measurement Institute and see our laboratory and office locations around Australia
• Find out about Buying and selling goods and services by weight and other measurements
• See our Service charter for legal metrology
• See the NMI service charter [PDF 343KB]

Connect with us

• Join us on Facebook @NMIAustralia
• Follow us on Twitter @NMIAustralia
• Follow the National Measurement Institute on LinkedIn

Contact us

General enquiries

• Email info@measurement.gov.au
• Phone 1800 020 076
• Write to us at: GPO Box 2013, Canberra ACT 2601

Trade measurement helpline

To find out more about trade measurement laws or report a suspected breach:

• Email infotm@measurement.gov.au
• Phone 1300 686 664