We are pleased to welcome Dr. Arvind Raman as the 18th director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and fifth Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology for the U.S. Department of Commerce. As the NIST Director, Dr. Raman will also serve as the Honorary President for the National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM). He transitions into this federal leadership role from Purdue University, where he most recently served as the John A. Edwardson Dean of the College of Engineering and compiled a distinguished 26-year career in mechanical engineering research and academic leadership. In his new capacity, Dr. Raman is poised to leverage his extensive background in nanotechnology and industry partnerships to advance U.S. competitiveness, manufacturing, and emerging technology standards. (Image Credit: B. Hayes/NIST)

NIST Recognition and Accreditation Services for the State Lab Program

NIST recognition and accreditation programs announced in May 2026 the streamlining of services for participants in the NIST Handbook 143 Recognition Program. The NIST National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) accreditation and the Office of Weights and Measures (OWM) recognition programs are increasing collaborations to benefit participants of the NIST Handbook 143 state laboratory program. NIST aims to minimize duplication of effort and accreditation cost for participants with dual recognition and accreditation status by requiring only one annual submission to NIST. (Image Credit: Adobe Stock)

Elevate Your Expertise: Explore OWM's 2027 Training Lineup

Map out your 2027 professional development with OWM’s upcoming class offerings. Our updated Course Catalog delivers high-impact, real-world technical skills for laboratory, industry, and weights and measures professionals. Browse the OWM Training and Events Calendar today to review by in-person or online options, including Laboratory Metrology technical courses, Quality Management System webinars, and more. What’s next? Find the in-person, online, or all classes that fit your objectives now so you are ready to act when registration opens in the OWM Contact System in October 2026. (Image Credit: Adobe Stock)

Welcome 2026 SURF Fellows

OWM is thrilled to welcome our 2026 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) fellows. The 11 week NIST SURF program inspires undergraduate students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through real-world measurement science research experience working directly with NIST scientists and engineers.

Dominick Mendez is pursuing a B.S. in Chemistry (Minor in Physics) who aims to leverage this experience working in the Laboratory Metrology Program with mentor Elizabeth Koncki toward a career in academic or federal inorganic chemistry research. Yoon Thwel is a returning fellow working in the Metric Program with mentor Elizabeth Benham to develop and publish educational resources on the International System of Units (SI). (Image Credit: J. Lee/NIST)