Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. https://www.nist.gov/national-institute-standards-and-technology 125 Years of Driving Innovation From developing precise atomic clocks to creating encryption standards to supporting manufacturing, NIST plays a crucial role in advancing technology. From nanoscale devices that power the most advanced microchips to earthquake-resistant skyscrapers, NIST’s measurements and research fuel innovation and improve the quality of life for all Americans. We provide support and resources to U.S. manufacturing, helping to grow our economy and ensure our national security. Discover how our work makes America safer, healthier and more prosperous. Cybersecurity and Privacy Next-Gen Communications Quantum Science Super Intelligence CHIPS for America NIST Study Shows How the Toxic Substances Mixed Into Fentanyl Vary Across the U.S. and Change Over Time

Physicist Jun Ye Wins Wolf Prize in Physics NIST Joins White House Effort to Drive ‘A New Golden Age of Science’ The International System of Units: A Never-Ending Quest for the Perfect Measurement System When Scientists Become Accidental Detectives NIST Provides Updates on National Construction Safety Team Activities NIST Finalizes Guidelines on Protecting Online Identity and Access Tokens From Misuse NIST Awards More Than $1.7 Million to Support Cybersecurity Workforce Development Across 8 States America’s national measurement institute NIST is the National Metrology Institute for the United States, also known as an NMI. Everything you use in your everyday life works because of measurements. Without precise measurements, your car wouldn’t run, your phone wouldn’t work, and hospitals couldn’t function. We maintain the measurements that make industry and society work. Learn more about our unique role in the national — and global — economy. Standards and Measurements How NIST’s Measurements Work for You NIST in your inbox Stay up to date with the latest news from NIST. Sign up for our Tech Beat newsletter or to get news about your favorite research topics.