National Institute of Standards and Technology
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a physical sciences laboratory and a non-regulatory agency of the United States Department of Commerce. Its mission is to promote innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve the quality of life.
History
NIST was founded in 1901 as the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) by Congress to remove a major barrier to U.S. industrial competitiveness at the time, which was the lack of a national measurement standard. In 1988, the NBS was renamed to NIST to better reflect its expanded roles in technology development and industrial competitiveness.
Functions and Structure
NIST operates through several key functions:
- Measurement Science: NIST develops and maintains the national standards of measurement and provides the means to compare these standards internationally.
- Standards: It develops standards for various industries, from technology to health care, to ensure compatibility, interoperability, and security.
- Innovation: NIST supports innovation by providing technical assistance to industry, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, and by promoting the development of advanced manufacturing technologies.
- Security: Through initiatives like the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, NIST provides guidelines to enhance the security of information systems, protecting both public and private sectors.
- Research: NIST conducts research in areas like physics, chemistry, engineering, materials science, and information technology, often in collaboration with academia, industry, and other government agencies.
Notable Projects and Initiatives
- NIST Cybersecurity Framework: A policy framework of computer security guidance for organizations to better manage and reduce cybersecurity risk.
- Advanced Manufacturing Technology Consortia (AMTech): Aims to accelerate innovation in manufacturing technologies.
- Smart Grid: NIST works on the standards and protocols necessary for the development of a smart grid, which integrates advanced sensing, communications, and controls to enhance the electricity distribution system.
- Quantum Information Science: NIST is involved in research to advance quantum computing and quantum sensors.
Facilities
NIST has two main campuses:
- Gaithersburg, Maryland: The main campus, covering over 500 acres, houses most of NIST's laboratories.
- Boulder, Colorado: This campus focuses on research in areas like quantum physics, time and frequency, and cryogenic technologies.
External Links
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