The article discusses the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) budget request for fiscal year 2020, which prioritizes funding for artificial intelligence, quantum science, and microelectronics while proposing the elimination of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership program. NIST’s measurement research and services are crucial for national defense, homeland security, trade, and innovation, supporting industries through cutting-edge user facilities and extramural programs like Manufacturing USA and MEP.
However, the article highlights the urgent need for facility upgrades at NIST, as many of its buildings date back to the 1950s and 1960s. Aging infrastructure is causing significant productivity losses and safety concerns, making it difficult to perform high-precision research and measurements required for future technological advancements. Stable environmental conditions are essential for sensitive measurements, and current laboratory conditions are undermining NIST’s ability to deliver the precision measurement science needed to drive U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness.
Keywords: precision, measurement, quantum-based, nanoscale, sensitive
