Quantum metrology at NPL: we explore the challenges and opportunities

14 Jan 2026 Sponsored by National Physical Laboratory

This episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast features a conversation with Tim Prior and John Devaney of the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), which is the UK’s national metrology institute.

Prior is NPL’s quantum programme manager, and Devaney is its quantum standards manager. They talk about NPL’s central role in the recent launch of NMI-Q, which brings together some of the world’s leading national metrology institutes to accelerate the development and adoption of quantum technologies.

Prior and Devaney describe the challenges and opportunities of developing metrology and standards for rapidly evolving technologies, including quantum sensors, quantum computing, and quantum cryptography. They discuss the importance of NPL’s collaborations with industry and academia, and explore the diverse career opportunities for physicists at NPL. Prior and Devaney also discuss their own careers and share their enthusiasm for working in the cutting-edge, fast-paced field of quantum metrology.

This podcast is sponsored by the National Physical Laboratory.

Further reading

Why quantum metrology is the driving force for best practice in quantum standardization

Performance metrics and benchmarks point the way to practical quantum advantage

End note: NPL retains copyright on this article.

Sponsored by National Physical Laboratory

from physicsworld.com    17/1/2026