About the Department

The Science Department of the Velocity Interoperability Network is responsible for the national laboratories of the Velocity Interoperability Network, for the custody and maintenance of the Network's reference standards of measurement, and for scientific advice to member organisations and to the departments of the Network.

The Department was established on 6 September 2026 and employs 214 scientists, engineers and technical staff, transferred with their laboratories from member organisations. Its six national laboratories open between 7 and 11 September 2026; the Network's twelve reference standards of measurement are held at the National Measurement Laboratory at the Central Exchange and are described on the Reference Standards and Calibration page. Five standing advisory committees were appointed on the day of establishment and hold their first sittings from 28 September 2026.

Responsibilities. The Department's work falls into five areas.

National laboratories

Six laboratories at the principal sites of the Network, analysing samples, testing materials and recording environmental measurements.

Reference standards of measurement

Custody of the standards of measurement on which the Network's measurements are traceable, and the calibration of instruments against them.

Scientific advice

Advice on scientific questions to member organisations and to the departments of the Network, prepared through five standing advisory committees.

Analysis and calibration services

Chemical analysis, materials testing, biological reference testing and instrument calibration, provided to member organisations and departments.

Statistics and reporting

Quarterly statistical releases on analyses, calibrations, reference materials, advices and environmental measurements.

For the Department's origins and the milestones since its establishment, see History. Its activity and capacity figures are published on the Statistics page. General enquiries may be sent to contact@science.gov.vin.