About the Materials Science & Engineering Laboratory

MSEL Mission and Impact

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The NIST Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory (MSEL) promotes U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness in the development and use of materials by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology – in ways that enhance economic security and improve the quality of life. 

MSEL research and services lower measurement barriers to innovative materials and devices in a broad spectrum of industries. Recent examples include:

• Test methods that ensure the reliability of high strength steels for petroleum and hydrogen pipelines, and that provide the pipeline industry with key data to predict the lifetime, and safety, of this critical energy infrastructure.
• Nanoparticle standard reference materials, first produced by MSEL researchers, are helping the National Cancer Institute develop biomedical applications of nanotechnology, and will enable assessment of the potential environmental, health and safety hazards of nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes.
• Advanced x-ray measurements and models that are helping the automotive industry improve vehicle fuel efficiency with lightweight materials.
• Groundbreaking measurements that enable the semiconductor electronics industry to produce smaller and faster electronic devices, to identify critical limitations in nanomanufacturing processes, and to pioneer the technologies of organic and flexible electronics.

MSEL at a Glance

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NIST's Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory (MSEL) is one of the world's premier institutions for materials-related measurement science. Over 300 research staff in MSEL create the measurements, standards and data needed to advance the development of innovative metals, ceramics, polymers, nanomaterials and electronics materials that are key to National needs, including energy, healthcare, infrastructure, manufacturing and the environment. 

What we do

• Fundamental measurement science to create cutting edge materials and devices;
• Advanced measurement instruments and methods that accelerate materials discovery and materials development for a host of technologies;
• Evaluated data to optimize materials selection and device designs; and
• Standard reference materials, documentary standards, and standard test methods that accelerate process development, assure quality control, increase interoperability for manufacturing, and lower barriers to US trade worldwide.

How we work with industry and the public

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MSEL works with industry, standards bodies, universities, and other government laboratories to improve the nation’s measurements and standards infrastructure for materials. MSEL engages with these institutions and the public through a variety of ways including workshops, national and international conferences and symposia, consortia, formal research cooperative agreements, and technical collaborations.  To learn more about working with MSEL, click here.