UK Launches Centre for AI Measurement at NPL to Drive Trustworthy AI
The UK Government has announced a major investment in the future of artificial intelligence with the establishment of a new Centre for AI Measurement, to be led by the National Physical Laboratory (NPL). Positioned at the heart of the new AI Assurance Innovation Fund, the centre is designed to accelerate development of secure, transparent and trustworthy AI technologies — ensuring that high-capability AI systems can be adopted safely and with confidence across the economy.
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into critical economic, industrial and societal functions, the demand for scientifically robust measures of performance, safety and trustworthiness has intensified. The Centre for AI Measurement will address this demand by developing and validating measurement-based approaches to AI assurance — the practice of identifying and mitigating risks in AI systems before they impact businesses or the public.
Metrology Meets AI Assurance
Metrology has long underpinned advances in science and engineering. Now, it is set to play a foundational role in how organisations understand, evaluate and deploy AI technologies. As the UK’s National Metrology Institute, NPL brings deep expertise in traceability, standards and rigorous evaluation frameworks to the emerging field of AI assurance.
The new centre will offer a collaborative environment that brings together researchers, industry, startups and regulators to co-develop and pilot technical assurance tools. These tools aim to help organisations not only measure AI behaviour and performance, but also to build confidence in outcomes that matter most — from safety and reliability to fairness and transparency.
By accelerating the translation of cutting-edge assurance research into practical toolchains and standards, the centre is expected to help move trustworthy AI assurance capabilities to market faster — reducing barriers to adoption and driving economic value across the UK.
At its core, the Centre for AI Measurement is a hub for innovation and expertise. It will provide training, consultancy and testbed facilities to support organisations at every stage of their AI journey — from early research through to commercial deployment. This support extends to smaller technology ventures and startups, for whom access to metrology-driven assurance capabilities can be particularly transformative.
“The UK has world-class expertise in AI and through the creation of the Centre for AI Measurement, we aim to strengthen the UK’s leadership in developing and adopting secure and trustworthy AI. As the UK’s National Metrology Institute, NPL will work with industry and lead in developing and validating scientifically robust technical AI assurance capabilities, ensuring the centre becomes an independent national resource that supports development of the UK’s AI technical assurance capabilities, economic growth and national security” stated Dr Peter Thompson, CBE, CEO of NPL.
NPL already plays a vital role in shaping approaches to trustworthy AI, such as through its Life Cycle for Trustworthy and Safe Artificial Intelligence framework — a structured methodology for assessing and governing AI systems throughout their design, development and deployment. The new centre will build on this work, embedding measurement science at every step of assurance processes.
Global Standards and International Leadership
In tandem with the centre’s launch, NPL is also a founding partner of the AI Standards Hub — an initiative dedicated to shaping global standards for AI. The hub’s Global Summit, taking place 16–17 March in Glasgow, will focus on the interplay between AI standards, measurement and assurance, bringing together international stakeholders to align around best practices and measurement-driven frameworks.
By anchoring AI assurance in metrology and international collaboration, the UK aims to secure a distinct competitive advantage. This approach positions the nation as a global leader in responsible AI adoption — ensuring that innovation is matched with integrity, safety and public trust.
New Era for AI Assurance
The establishment of the Centre for AI Measurement marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of AI governance and industrial adoption. By bringing the rigour of metrology to the challenge of trustworthy AI, the UK is not only advancing scientific capability — it is laying the groundwork for a future where AI systems can be deployed safely, transparently and at scale.
For the metrology and quality assurance communities, this initiative signals both opportunity and responsibility: to build the frameworks, tools and standards that will underpin the next generation of intelligent systems, empowering industries while safeguarding the public interest.
For more information: www.npl.co.uk
