Measurement science and standards

Alan Steele

General Manager and Chief Metrologist

Alan Steele

Key business contact

Perry Mangione
Telephone: 613-991-9991
Email: Perry.Mangione@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Accurate measurement underpins industrial success across all sectors of the economy. It is therefore essential to mobilize highly credible metrology infrastructure and intelligence. NRC Measurement Science and Standards meets this demand with world-class facilities, technologies and staff, tackling challenges in innovation and providing first-rate metrology capabilities.

What we offer

As Canada's national metrology institute, the NRC is universally respected for providing trusted measurement science advice and technical services to government and industrial clients. In this way, we ensure the basis for fair trade and commerce, enhancing societal well-being and enabling innovation through evolving and emerging technologies that rely on precision measurement.

We offer a number of services, including biotoxin, inorganic and organic certified reference materials, glow discharge mass spectrometry analysis, instrument calibration and laboratory assessment for those implementing a quality system. We're also responsible for Canada's time signal, operating the precision clocks that inform communication networks throughout the country.

We provide calibration services to cancer clinics to ensure that patients receive accurate radiation doses; and work with Canadian and international power generation and distribution companies to calibrate power transformers, cables and sources to enable an efficient power grid.

Measurement Science and Standards services benefit scientists and researchers in any industry where high-precision measurement is critical for market success. Clients come to us for chemical metrology, electrical metrology, ionizing radiation standards, mechanical metrology, electrical power measurements, frequency and time, biotoxin metrology, and photometry, radiometry and thermometry. We have newly developed capabilities in the emerging areas nanoscale measurements and black carbon emission metrology.

Why work with us

For nearly a century, NRC has led the world in metrology. Our innovative technology and high-performance laboratories have enabled us to compete with the top minds in the industry, and to conduct frontier research in emerging sectors that have low technology readiness levels. Our staff, including Canada's Chief Metrologist, offers unparalleled knowledge and expertise.

Measurement Science and Standards clients rely on us for accurate, traceable measurements that define the national standard, in line with international requirements. Our metrology services play a crucial role in the welfare of society, and are integral to successful innovation in areas such as interoperability, waste reduction, standards compliance, citizenry protection, fair and efficient commerce, and trade facilitation.

NRC's world-class research infrastructure and unique expertise, combined with, customizable service options and high ethical standards, make us the ideal partner to support your vision with innovative services and solutions.

Research and business opportunities

At NRC Measurement Science and Standards, our established business practices and longstanding credibility make it straightforward for clients to work with us on their current and evolving needs. We are uniquely qualified to conduct measurement research and provide metrological services, helping to build relationships across industry and government to ensure that we are able to effectively and efficiently serve the marketplace.

Measurement Science and Standards addresses a number of market segments through a suite of mutually reinforcing initiatives:

  • Metrology for Industry & Society, to enable vital Canadian sectors, where high precision and credible measurement have a significant impact on market success, to better compete, conform and connect on a global stage.
  • Measurement Science for Emerging Technologies, to enable Canadian industry to capitalize on market opportunities involving emerging technologies, while ensuring the responsible introduction of new technologies to the marketplace.
  • Scientific Support for the National Measurement System, to deliver coherent scientific advice to improve and inform national decision-making for commerce, standards development, regulation and trade agreements.

Each of these initiatives is designed to work together to deliver scientific solutions for a very broad spectrum of applications with a large variation in maturity and market penetration.

Technical and advisory services

Our technical services are designed to help manufacturers and users of precision instruments achieve the highest levels of measurement quality and productivity. They are the highest order of such services available in Canada, and provide a direct link between a client's precision equipment or transfer standards and the national measurement standards.

NRC's Measurement Science and Standards services support innovation and economic growth across all industries, and are available to public and private organizations and individuals. Our four categories of general services are as follows:

  • Calibration, to help you ensure the accuracy and precision of your instruments, which could include chemical and electrical instruments, meters, and much more.
  • Certified Reference Materials (CRM), against which you can conduct method and assay validation or calibration from a range of biotoxin, inorganic and organic samples.
  • Calibration Laboratory Assessment Service (CLAS), which provides commercial measurement laboratories with quality system and technical assessment services and certification of specific measurement capabilities of calibration laboratories.
  • Glow discharge mass spectrometry analysis, for accurate and timely assistance with measurement requirements for characterising high-purity metals.
Research facilities

Measurement Science and Standards maintains national research and technology development facilities in Ottawa and Halifax. These world-class laboratories feature leading-edge equipment, including precision instrumentation for mass measurement (vacuum and watt balances), world-leading single-ion optical frequency determination, a comprehensive suite of mass spectrometers for speciation and quantification, and a variety of advanced microscopes that open the door to the nanoscale.

Licensing opportunities

NRC Measurement Science and Standards owns a number of software programs, processes and technologies that are available for licensing, including our radiation simulation software. To discuss licensing opportunities that fit your specific needs and conditions, please contact one of our business experts today.

Contact

Perry Mangione
Telephone: 613-991-9991
Email: Perry.Mangione@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca