# National Measurement Laboratory

> Australian government research agency, 1974-2004

**Wikidata**: [Q110955374](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q110955374)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/national-measurement-laboratory

## Summary
The National Measurement Laboratory was an Australian government research agency and research institute operating from 1974 to 2004 as part of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). It succeeded the National Standards Laboratory and was replaced by the National Measurement Institute, Australia, providing measurement standards and research capabilities for the country.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1974 and dissolved in July 2004
- Part of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
- Located at the University of Sydney (1974-1978) and Lindfield (1978-2004)
- Succeeded the National Standards Laboratory
- Replaced by the National Measurement Institute, Australia
- Classified as a government agency, research institute, and research center
- Had multiple identifiers including ISNI 0000000085947199 and VIAF ID 127563471

## FAQs
### Q: What was the National Measurement Laboratory?
A: The National Measurement Laboratory was an Australian government research agency and research institute that operated from 1974 to 2004, providing measurement standards and research capabilities as part of CSIRO.

### Q: When did the National Measurement Laboratory exist and what happened to it?
A: The National Measurement Laboratory operated from 1974 until its dissolution in July 2004. It succeeded the National Standards Laboratory and was later replaced by the National Measurement Institute, Australia.

### Q: Where was the National Measurement Laboratory located?
A: The laboratory had two locations during its operational period: it was first established at the University of Sydney (1974-1978) and later moved to Lindfield (1978-2004).

### Q: What was the purpose of the National Measurement Laboratory?
A: As a government research agency and research institute, the National Measurement Laboratory was responsible for developing and maintaining measurement standards and conducting research in the field of measurement science for Australia.

### Q: How was the National Measurement Laboratory connected to other measurement institutions?
A: The National Measurement Laboratory was the successor to the National Standards Laboratory and was itself succeeded by the National Measurement Institute, Australia. It was also part of CSIRO, integrating measurement research with broader scientific initiatives in Australia.

## Why It Matters
The National Measurement Laboratory played a crucial role in establishing and maintaining measurement standards in Australia, which are essential for trade, industry, and scientific research. By providing accurate measurement references, the laboratory ensured consistency and reliability in measurements across various sectors. Its work was foundational to technological advancement and industrial development in Australia, supporting everything from manufacturing to scientific innovation. The laboratory's replacement by the National Measurement Institute, Australia, demonstrates the ongoing importance of measurement science in the national infrastructure.

## Notable For
- Successor to the National Standards Laboratory, continuing Australia's measurement heritage
- Dual locations at the University of Sydney and Lindfield during its 30-year history
- Role in transitioning Australia's measurement infrastructure to meet modern standards
- Integration within CSIRO, connecting measurement research to broader scientific initiatives
- Transition to the National Measurement Institute, Australia, in 2004

## Body
### Overview
The National Measurement Laboratory was an Australian government research agency that operated from 1974 to 2004. As a research institute and research center, it served as a key institution in the field of measurement science in Australia, providing essential standards and research capabilities.

### Organizational Structure
- Part of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
- Classified as a government agency, research institute, and research center
- Succeeded the National Standards Laboratory
- Replaced by the National Measurement Institute, Australia in 2004

### Operational Timeline
- **1974**: Founded
- **1974-1978**: Located at the University of Sydney
- **1978-2004**: Located at Lindfield
- **2004**: Dissolved (July), with functions transferred to the National Measurement Institute, Australia

### Identifiers and References
- ISNI: 0000000085947199
- GND ID: 5317291-7
- ROR ID: 031ebne21
- VIAF ID: 127563471 (preferred: 124345106)
- Libraries Australia ID: 35741802
- Library of Congress Authority ID: n81074758
- National Library of Israel J9U ID: 987007583115705171
- Described by CSIROpedia (English language, published 2011-02-21)

### Related Entities
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (parent organization)
- National Standards Laboratory (predecessor)
- National Measurement Institute, Australia (successor)

## References

1. [National Measurement Laboratory. 2011](https://csiropedia.csiro.au/national-measurement-laboratory/)
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. [Physics, Measurement and Standards Divisions. 2013](https://csiropedia.csiro.au/physics-1945-74/)