NPL and NMI Training: Fundamentals of Metrology
Join the National Measurement Laboratory (NML) and the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) on 18 November or 8 December 2025 for a free ‘Fundamentals of Metrology’, training course funded by the Biofilm Alliance.
Metrology, the science of measurement, underpins our modern world. From everyday transactions to cutting-edge research, accurate measurements are essential. Billions of measurements are made globally each day, impacting trade, manufacturing, medicine, scientific discovery, consumer safety, and environmental protection.
To ensure reliable results and informed decision-making, sound metrological principles must be rigorously applied. Metrology provides a framework to ensure the traceability, comparability and reliability of data.
There are specific challenges related to methods for the analysis of biofilms, including biofilm heterogeneity, sensitivity to environmental conditions and the range of environments and surfaces where biofilms are encountered. A lack of standardisation limits the ability to compare results produced by different laboratories and also to monitor results over time. To be able to develop and apply suitable test methods requires an understanding of metrology.
Who Should Attend?
This course will be of interest to those engaged in biofilm analysis and control who wish to deepen their understanding of how to ensure the quality, reliability, and comparability of measurement data.
It will be particularly relevant to researchers, laboratory professionals, and regulatory specialists involved in the development, validation, or standardisation of biofilm test methods, as well as to industry practitioners responsible for quality assurance and process monitoring.
Early-career scientists and doctoral researchers seeking to strengthen their grounding in measurement science and its application to biological systems will also find the training valuable.
The Programme
The Fundamentals of Metrology course will consist of two modules, each lasting 2.5 hours. Modules should be booked for either 18 November 2025 or 8 December 2025. Module 1 starts at 9:30 and Module 2 starts at 13:30. The course will cover the following topics:
- What is metrology and its applicability in biofilm-related measurements?
- Quantities, units and standards
- Fundamentals of metrological traceability and evaluating measurement uncertainty
- Introduction to laboratory quality assurance
- Ensuring reliable data–method validation in biofilm analysis
- Introduction to international metrology
- The importance of standardisation and standards in biofilm solutions
Please visit the Biofilm Alliance website to register for this training.
If you have any questions about the course or booking, please contact training@lgcgroup.com.