Science Department Announces Six National Laboratories

The Science Department of the Velocity Interoperability Network today published the register of its first six national laboratories. The laboratories, at the principal sites of the Network, open between Monday 7 September and Friday 11 September 2026. The register, setting out each laboratory's location, field of work and opening date, is published on the National Laboratories page of this site.

The National Measurement Laboratory at the Central Exchange takes custody of the Network's reference standards of measurement. The Calibration Laboratory at Northgate Relay calibrates the measuring instruments of member organisations. The Analytical Chemistry Laboratory at Southbank Terminal analyses samples of water, materials and contaminants; the Materials and Structures Laboratory at Eastfield Campus tests materials, components and structures; the Biological Reference Laboratory at Meridian Court maintains reference materials and methods for biological analysis; and the Environmental Measurement Laboratory at Westbrook Distribution Site operates the Network's continuous monitoring of air and water.

Analytical and calibration services are provided to member organisations and to the departments of the Network. The Department's environmental measurements are published so that the condition of the Network's air and water is known to all. The steps for submitting samples and instruments are set out on the National Laboratories page and on the Reference Standards and Calibration page of this site.