Topics

Advanced communications

NIST promotes the development and deployment of advanced communications technologies by advancing the measurement science underlying wireless technologies.

A fluorescent microscope image of NIH 3T3 fibroblast cells

Biotechnology

NIST provides measurement assurance through the development of quantitative analytical measurement tools to aid industry in the deployment of innovative biotechnologies and advanced biomaterials.

A home in the mountains of Puerto Rico lies in ruins as a result of the extreme force winds of Hurricane Maria.

Buildings and construction

NIST develops safety standards for construction. We also study ways to better protect buildings from dangers like earthquakes and windstorms.

Chemistry

NIST develops the technology, measurement methods and standards to address the needs of the chemical industry.

Computer scientist Murugiah Souppaya investigates security techniques for protecting virtuallized computing environments and cloud computing systems.

Cybersecurity and privacy

NIST develops cybersecurity and privacy standards, guidelines, best practices, and resources to meet the needs of U.S. industry, federal agencies, and the broader public.

Electronics

NIST provides the standards, develops the instruments and performs the calibrations necessary to keep both the smallest electronic components and the largest power grids running smoothly and safely.

The first 10 miles of the McNary - John Day Transmission Line

Energy

NIST develops testing methods, measurement science and reference materials to ensure the quality of energy-related products and services and ensure fairness in the marketplace.

Environment

NIST is helping to advance measurements and tools for environmental science.

Fire

NIST's fire research develops, verifies and utilizes measurements and predictive methods to quantify the behavior of fire and means to reduce its impact.

Odor Detection with An Artificial Dog Nose

Forensic science

Bringing together experts from the forensic, research, legal and law enforcement communities to strengthen forensic science and create a safer, more just society.

Health

NIST provides measurement assurance for biomedical stakeholders through the development of measurement tools for medical devices, clinical diagnostics, imaging tools and biotherapeutics.

Information technology

NIST advances the state-of-the-art in IT in such applications as cybersecurity and biometrics.

Infrastructure

NIST infrastructure research encompasses smart grids and smart cities, public safety, community resilience, communications, critical infrastructure security, buildings and construction codes.

Screenshot from an animation in a video about the Digital Thread

Manufacturing

NIST provides technical support to the nation's manufacturing industry as it strives to out-innovate and outperform the competition.

Examples of the silk used in experiments to detect damage in composites, shown under black light.

Materials

NIST develops testbeds, defines benchmarks and develops formability measurements and models for a variety of emerging materials.

Mathematics and statistics

NIST researchers use the latest mathematics approaches and computational methods to help tackle some of the most difficult scientific, technical and engineering problems and tasks.

Metrology

Metrology is the science of measurement and its application. NIST's work in metrology focuses on advancing measurement science to enhance economic security and improve quality of life.

Nanotechnology

From leading cutting-edge research to coordinating standards development, NIST's nanotechnology programs directly impact priorities important to the nation's economy and well being.

Neutron research

NIST is at the forefront of basic research with neutrons, and the NIST Center for Neutron Research is a national resource for industry, universities and government agencies.

Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award medallion with Award recipients photos in background.

Performance excellence

The Baldrige Performance Excellence Program offers criteria, assessments, tools, training and a community for those dedicated to helping organizations improve.

Physics

NIST provides the measurements, standards, and technical expertise scientists and industries need to push the limits of the fundamental properties of nature.

Public safety

From helping to develop technologies that detect explosives and locate survivors in a collapsed building to video software that identifies criminals, NIST is working to keep people safe.

Quantum information science

NIST has been a leader in quantum information science since the early 1990s and plays a key role in studying and developing standards for quantum measurement.

Homeowner looks at the Remain of His Neighborhood

Resilience

NIST's resilience research focuses on the impact of hazards on buildings and communities and on post-disaster studies that provide the basis for improved standards, codes and practices.

Peanut butter standard reference material.

Standards

Technical standards keep us safe, enable technology to advance, and help businesses succeed. They quietly make the modern world tick and prevent technological problems.

Illustration that shows an outline of a face and then icons to represent different areas of AI including heart (health), lock (cyber), windmills (energy), steering wheel (cars) and manufacturing arm

Super intelligence

NIST’s super intelligence efforts focus on driving research and development, testing and evaluation, development of guidelines and standards, and implementation and application of best practices.

Transportation

NIST provides the technical expertise, measurements, data and standards proficiency to ensure that industry is well equipped to create functional, safe, and fuel-efficient transportation.