A computer-generated image of the International Prototype Kilogram ("IPK"), used as the basis for the measurement of one kilogram.
The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in Teddington, South West London, has played host to a visit by the Lib Dem Shadow Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, Stephen Williams. The NPL is the UK's centre for standardisation of measurement, and a world-leader in developing standards in this area.
During the visit, Stephen toured the laboratories, and heard about research into various satellite programmes and development of acoustics in an echo chamber. The NPL also does important work on the maintenance of SI standard units of measurement - see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SI for more information about SI. The NPL website can be found at http://www.npl.co.uk/
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