RARE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE THE SCIENTIFIC SECRETS OF THE NPL IN TEDDINGTON
The National Physical Laboratory in Teddington is hosting a rare open day to celebrate World Metrology Day on Friday, May 24, it was announced today.
Metrology, the science of measurement, enables pioneering approaches to a sustainable future, allowing research, innovation, manufacturing, and trade to flourish in the UK.
A spokesperson told Teddington Town: “We are opening our doors to you. Join us to find out how our scientists and engineers are supporting the UK’s sustainability journey, enabling innovation in everything from carbon capture to climate change solutions, and improving the quality of our everyday lives using measurement science.
“Meet the scientists, engineers and experts who are using underwater cables to detect earthquakes, working on satellites to look at the changes to our earth from space and using metrology to ensure that hydrogen can be a safe, sustainable fuel of the future.
“Take part in interactive activities throughout the day, including making your own gas standard using balloons, meeting our SI bots and much more.”
Admission is by ticket only for all visitors with a £3 fee for visitors and entrance for children under 16 is free.
Tickets are allocated by timeslot for your arrival. You may arrive at any time during your time slot booking. The last entry time is 18:00and the site will close at 19:00.
The spokesperson added: “Safety and well-being are a priority for all our colleagues and visitors, we want everyone to enjoy their day.
“We expect all visitors to be respectful to each other and NPL staff. We have a zero tolerance policy for intrusive or aggressive behaviour that is not in line with our organisational values and reserve the right to ask those behaving inappropriately to leave.”
Photography and filming
No photography is permitted on NPL’s site, this includes video recorders, cameras and mobile devices. Official NPL photographers will be taking photos throughout the day, please indicate to them if you do not wish to be photographed.
Security, safety and first aid
Entry to our site will be subject to a mandatory bag check. Unchecked bags and their owners will not be granted access to the site. NPL reserves the right to refuse access to site. There are no cloakroom or left luggage facilities, so to speed up entry to our site we recommend you minimise any bags. All visitors will be issued with a security wristband which must be worn at all times while on site.
Make the most of your visit to our site
- All visitors will be given a map to guide you around our site.
- We recommend that you bring a fully charged mobile device to get an optimum visitor experience. The information about the displays appears on our website which you can access both at the Open Day and in advance. on the day, or check out what’s on in advance. Consider bringing a charged power bank too, as charging points will be limited.
- If you have any questions, feel free to ask any of our staff, who will be wearing blue NPL polo shirts or visit the help desk located in our main Reception, Module 16.
- Some of our scientists will be hard at work, so please appreciate that we are not able to open all of our facilities. For your own safety, please use the map to guide you around the displays.
- All personal items are the owner’s responsibility, we do not take responsibility for any lost or stolen items.
- The lifts are located behind the main Reception in Module 16 and also between Modules 12 and 13.
- There are no guided tours and some of the laboratories are quite small, so please be prepared to queue or change the order in which you visit the displays.
- All the information about the displays is on our website or in the labs. We are not printing a booklet for sustainability reasons, but all visitors will be given a map.
Security
Entry to our site will be subject to a mandatory bag check. Unchecked bags and their owners will not be granted access to the site. NPL reserves the right to refuse access to site. There are no cloakroom facilities, so to speed up entry to our site we recommend you minimise any bags. All visitors will be issued with a security wristband which must be worn at all times while on site.
Getting here
Car parking is limited so please only drive if necessary. NPL is well served by public transport, find out your travel options here.
Refreshments
The NPL restaurant in Module 15, first floor, will be open to purchase snacks and drinks from midday until 6:00 pm. Please do not take any food or drink away from the restaurant. There will also be refreshments on the first floor of Module 1.
Children
Children are more than welcome, however the majority of our exhibits are not aimed at those under 8 years old. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult at all times. We are unable to accommodate buggies/prams.
Access guide
Our access guide provides more information for those coming to our site for the first time about the buildings and facilities. We recommend that all visitors review this information so they know what to expect.
Open Day specific information:
Dogs are not permitted on site, except for assistance dogs who may not be able to enter all areas of our site.
