National Institute of Standards and Technology

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The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a United States federal agency within the Department of Commerce. The institute was founded in 1901 with the aim to advance measurement science, standards, and technology.

NIST has four programs:

  1. NIST Laboratories.
  2. Baldrige National Quality Program.
  3. Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership.
  4. Technology Innovation Program (a newly created program that has been authorized by Congress but has not yet received appropriations).

NIST has an operating budget of about $843 million and operates in two locations: Gaithersburg, Md., and Boulder, Colo. NIST employs about 2,900 scientists, engineers, technicians, and support and administrative personnel. About 1,800 NIST associates complement the staff.


NIST laboratories

The NIST laboratories are located Gaithersburg, Md., and Boulder, Colo. The main laboratories are:

  • Building and Fire Research Laboratory
  • Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology
  • Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory
  • Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory
  • Information Technology Laboratory
  • Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory
  • Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory
  • NIST Center for Neutron Research
  • Physics Laboratory
  • Technology Services