An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (LAB)

Released 09.10.07

At the request of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), for the past several years, the NRC has carried out a biennial assessment of all of NIST's measurement and standards laboratories (MSL).  The assessment focused on each laboratory's technical quality and merit; its effectiveness; and the adequacy of its resources.  The assessments also examined the relevance of the NIST programs and how well laboratory facilities, equipment, and personnel are able to fulfill each MSL mission.  For 2007, NIST asked the NRC to focus on four MSLs: the National Center for Neutron Research (NCNR), the Information Technology Laboratory, the Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory, and the Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory. 

The Information Technology Laboratory (ITL)

The report on the ITL presents a general assessment of the laboratory including a look at its research strategies, opportunities, planning for growth, research culture, and computing infrastructure; and provides assessments of the laboratory's six divisions.  The report notes that the work of the ITL generally ranks at or near the top of the work being done by peer institutions.

Panel on Chemical Science and Technology (CSTL)

The report on the CSTL presents an assessment of the Lab's five divisions, covering-where appropriate-how well each division addresses national priorities, its impact and level of innovation, its technical merit, and its infrastructure.  The report notes that the CSTL is meeting its obligations and its priorities are appropriate and aligned with national priorities.

Panel on Electronics and Electrical Engineering (EEEL)

The report on the EEEL presents an assessment of the Lab's four divisions. The assessment is based on four criteria: alignment with national priorities, motivation of its programs, technical merit, and technical program quality. The report also provides a look at three additional concerns: staffing and funding, international issues, and the planning process.

Panel on Neutron Research

The report on the NCNR presents a general assessment of the Lab, followed by assessments of its facilities and personnel, its role as a user facility, and its science and technology.  The report notes that the NCNR  provides a high flux of neutrons to an evolving suite of high-quality instruments, has a substantial and satisfied external user community, and its in-house science and technology is robust.