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Office of the Director

NIST works with the private sector, other government agencies, and universities to develop and apply the technology, measurements and standards needed for new and improved products and services.

Welcome to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). As an agency of the Department of Commerce, NIST plays a key role in enabling the hard work and innovative ideas of the American people to strengthen our infrastructure for innovation to advance manufacturing, service, and science; to promote trade; and to improve public safety and security. This leads to improved quality of life and better and more jobs.

NIST works with the private sector, other government agencies, and universities to develop and apply the technology, measurements and standards needed for new and improved products and services. In short, we help to enable the future. We encourage you to learn more about NIST's activities, how to make use of our products and services, and how to work with NIST.

Learn more about NIST's current strategic priorities

Deputy Under Secretary for Standards and Technology and Deputy NIST Director

Headshot of a man wearing glasses and a dark suit with an American flag behind him
Credit: Department of Commerce

Craig Burkhardt was appointed to serve as the Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and NIST Deputy Director in January 2025.

Read Full Bio

News and Updates

Taking Measure Blog

Events

2059 Basic Uncertainty Concepts

Thu, May 28 2026, 2:00 - 4:00pm EDT
This 2-hour webinar provides a very basic introduction to uncertainty calculations and reporting using the 8-step

OSAC Trace Evidence

Tue, Jun 2 - Thu, Jun 4 2026
On June 2, 2026 - June 4, 2026, the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) for Forensic Science, Trace

Awards

Contacts

  • Public Affairs Office
    (301) 975-6478
  • Federal Relay Service
    (800) 877-8339
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