Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Physics

News and Updates

Keyword

Organization

Under Construction: Traceable Dynamic Pressure Standard

May 19, 2015

In recent years, the physical damage done by pressure waves – such as traumatic brain injuries from explosives sustained by military personnel in the Middle

What is Quantum Physics? Dancers Explain

May 15, 2015

Quantum physics drives much of the research at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Explaining this research is a challenge, because

Two NIST Experts Named Service to America Medal Finalists

May 6, 2015

Two National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) researchers have been named finalists for 2015 Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals, which

Photonic Thermometers: Out of the Lab, Into a Bucket of Water

April 28, 2015

A new class of tiny chip-based thermometers being developed by PML's Sensor Science Division has the potential to revolutionize the way temperature is gauged

Detecting Effects of 3D Shapes in Nanoscale Chip Features

April 27, 2015

As microchip feature dimensions approach atomic scale, it becomes formidably difficult to measure their size and shape. According to the International

Why Firefighters Get Steam Burns: Exploratory Study Underway

April 27, 2015

A mystery has raged for decades surrounding accounts of firefighters who receive steam burns through their protective clothing. One ruling theory is that the

Getting Better All the Time: JILA Strontium Atomic Clock Sets New Records

April 21, 2015

In another advance at the far frontiers of timekeeping by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) researchers, the latest modification of a record

NIST Tightens the Bounds on the Quantum Information 'Speed Limit'

April 14, 2015

If you're designing a new computer, you want it to solve problems as fast as possible. Just how fast is possible is an open question when it comes to quantum

Precocious GEM: Shape-Shifting Sensor Can Report Conditions from Deep in the Body

March 27, 2015

Scientists working at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have devised and demonstrated a new

Getting a Critical Edge on Plutonium Identification

March 23, 2015

A collaboration between NIST scientists and colleagues at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has resulted in a new kind of sensor that can be used to

Novel Neutron Detector Makes Scintillating Debut

March 9, 2015

A team of researchers has successfully demonstrated a new design concept for a neutron detector that does not rely – as nearly all current models do – on a

integrating sphere for light measurements

Following a New MAP for Solid-State Lighting

February 19, 2015

LED lights are notably cool. But as an industry sector, solid-state lighting (SSL) keeps heating up, with demand growing rapidly in residential, commercial, and

Computing for Better Radiation Therapy

February 19, 2015

Doctors devising a plan of attack on a tumor may one day gain another tactical advantage thanks to a series of sophisticated calculations proposed by PML's

Autonomous Atom Assembly of Nanostructures using a Scanning Tunneling Microscope

February 13, 2015

NIST researchers have demonstrated the autonomous computer-controlled assembly of atoms into perfect nanostructures using a low temperature scanning tunneling

Hidden Uncertainties Uncovered in Nuclear Forensic Measurement

February 2, 2015

A little detective work by nuclear physicists has uncovered hidden uncertainties in a popular method for precisely measuring radioactive nuclides, often used to

Weighing Gas with Sound and Microwaves

January 23, 2015

Scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed a novel method to rapidly and accurately calibrate gas flow meters, such

Prototype for First Traceable PET-MR Phantom

January 23, 2015

As cancer diagnostic tools, a new class of imagers – which combines positron-emission tomography (PET) with magnetic resonance imaging (MR or MRI) – has shown

Open-Source Software for Quantum Information

January 23, 2015

NIST has partnered with the private sector to develop the next-generation open-source control software for quantum information systems. NIST is a world leader

Hybrid Memory Device for Superconducting Computing

January 23, 2015

A team of NIST scientists has devised and demonstrated a novel nanoscale memory technology for superconducting computing that could hasten the advent of an

New Portable Vacuum Standard

January 23, 2015

A novel Portable Vacuum Standard (PVS) has been added to the roster of NIST's Standard Reference Instruments (SRI). It is now available for purchase as part of

Supercomputer Simulations Yield Method for Predicting Behavior of New Concrete Formulas

January 21, 2015

Just because concrete is the most widely used building material in human history doesn't mean it can't be improved. A recent study conducted by researchers from

NIST Contributes to Media's Top Science Stories of 2014

January 7, 2015

Cool instruments—literally—made by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) contributed to the media's top science stories of 2014. More than a

Ultrasonic Thermometers for Medical Dosimetry

December 16, 2014

PML researchers are exploring whether ultrasound can be used as a faster, more efficient way to take three-dimensional images of radiation dose profiles in

NIST Sensor Could Improve One of Nano Research's Most Useful Microscopes

December 16, 2014

Spotting molecule-sized features—common in computer circuits and nanoscale devices—may become both easier and more accurate with a sensor developed at the

Lighting the Path to Smaller, Tougher Thermometers

December 15, 2014

Two new prototypes for tiny chip-based thermometers are illuminating light's potential to revolutionize the way temperature is gauged. With further development

Was this page helpful?

NIST Headquarters
-Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors for America (CHIPS)
--CHIPS Program Office
---CHIPS Program Headquarters
----CHIPS Program Headquarters - HQ
----Opportunity & Inclusion Group
---External & Government Affairs Division
----External & Government Affairs – HQ
---Investments Division
----Investments Division – HQ
---Operations Office
----Operations Office – HQ
---Risk Management Division
----Risk Management – HQ
---Strategy, Technology & Policy Division
----Strategy, Technology & Policy – HQ
--CHIPS Research & Development Program Office
---CHIPS Research & Development Program Headquarters Division
----CHIPS Research & Development Program Headquarters – HQ
----Integration & Policy Office
----Outreach & Partnerships Office
---External R&D Partnerships Division
----External R&D Partnerships – HQ
----National Advanced Packaging Manufacturing Program Group
----National Semiconductor Technology Center Group
---Industrial Advisory Committee
----Industrial Advisory Committee – HQ
---Semiconductor Manufacturing Institute Division
----Semiconductor Manufacturing Institute – HQ
---Semiconductor Metrology & Characterization Office
----Semiconductor Metrology & Characterization Office – HQ
-Management Resources
--Management Resources
---Associate Director for Management Resources
----Associate Director for Management Resources - HQ
---Business Operations Office
----Business Analytics Group
----Business Operations Office - HQ
----Customer Relationship Management Group
----Process Engineering Office
----Project Management Office
---Emergency Services Office
----Emergency Management, Preparedness and Coordination Group
----Emergency Services - HQ
----Fire Protection Group
----Security Systems and Access Control Group
---Equal Employment Opportunity and Accessibility Office
----Equal Employment Opportunity and Accessibility - HQ
---NIST Research Library and Museum
----Research Library Group
----Digital Services and Publishing Group
----NIST Research Library and Museum - HQ
---Fabrication Technology Office
----Fabrication Technology Office - HQ
--Office of Facilities and Property Management
---Boulder Design and Construction Division
----Boulder Design and Construction - HQ
----Facilities Improvement (Boulder) Group
----Reimbursable Work Group
----Facilities Modernization (Boulder) Group
---Gaithersburg Design and Construction Division
----Facilities Improvement (Gaithersburg) Group
----Reimbursable Work (Gaithersburg) Group
----Facilities Library, Archives, and As-Built (Gaithersburg) Group
----Construction Contract Management Group
----Facilities Modernization (Gaithersburg) Group
----Gaithersburg Design and Construction - HQ
---Gaithersburg Facility Maintenance Division
----Building Management (Gaithersburg) Group
----Operations Engineering Group
----Gaithersburg Facility Maintenance - HQ
----Facilities Enhancement Group
----Operations and Maintenance (Gaithersburg) Group
----Planning, Estimating and Materials Group
----Steam and Chilled Water Generation Plant Group
---Facilities Services Division
----Logistics Group
----Materials Management (Gaithersburg) Group
----Site Services Group
----Facilities Services Division - HQ
---Boulder Facilities Maintenance Division
----Engineering and Management Group
----Site Support Group
----Safety and Compliance Group
----Building Management and Maintenance Group
----Boulder Facilities Maintenance- HQ
----Support Services Group
---Emergency Services Division
----Police Services
----Security Systems and Access Control Group
----Fire Protection Group
----Emergency Services - HQ
----Emergency Management, Preparedness and Coordination Group
---Office of Facilities and Property Management
----Capital Asset Management and Facilities Planning Group
----OFPM Program Management Office
----Office of Facilities and Property Management - HQ
----Boulder Site Management Group
----Administrative Operations Group
----Program Office
----Reimbursement Projects Group
----Safety, Health and Compliance Group
--Office of Acquisition and Agreements Management
---Office of Acquisition and Agreements Management
----Administrative Support and Document Control Group
----Office of Acquisition and Agreements Management - HQ
----Policy and Compliance Group
----Reimbursable Agreements Coordination Office
---Financial Assistance Agreements Management Office
----Financial Assistance Agreements Management Office – HQ
---Acquisition Management Division
----Acquisition Management - HQ
----Acquisition Operations
----Acquisition Operations
----Acquisition Policy and Reimbursable Agreements
--Office of Information Systems Management
---Applications Systems Division
----Applications Systems - HQ
---Research Services Office
----Research Services Office - HQ
---Service Delivery Excellence Office
----Service Delivery Excellence - HQ
---Business Systems Division
----Business Systems Division - HQ
---Information Technology Security & Networking Division
----Information Technology Security & Networking - HQ
---Identity, Credential, and Access Management Division
----Identity, Credential, and Access Management - HQ
---Customer Access and Support Division
----Customer Access and Support - HQ
---Infrastructure Services Division
----Infrastructure Services Division - HQ
---Office of Information Systems Management
----Office of Information Systems Management - HQ
---Platform Services Division
----Platform Services Division - HQ
--Office of Human Resources Management
---Learning and Organizational Development Division
----Learning and Organizational Development – HQ
---Talent Acquisition Division
----Talent Acquisition – HQ
---Workforce Analytics and Technology Division
----Workforce Analytics and Technology – HQ
---Human Resources Management Office
----Human Resources Management Office - HQ
---Workforce Programs Division
----Workforce Programs – HQ
--Office of Safety, Health and Environment
---Office of Safety, Health and Environment
----Office of Safety, Health and Environment - HQ
---Gaithersburg Safety, Health and Environment Division
----Safety and Health Group
----Gaithersburg Safety, Health and Environment - HQ
----Fire and Facilities Safety Group
----Environmental Management Group
---Radiation Safety Division
----Radiation Facilities Group
----Program Development and Compliance Group
----Radiation Safety - HQ
---Boulder Safety, Health and Environment Division
----Boulder Safety, Health and Environment - HQ
--Office of Financial Resource Management
---Financial Systems and Reporting Division
----CBS Core Support Group
----CBS Feeder System Support Group
----Financial Systems and Reporting Division - HQ
----Financial Statements Group
----Data Control Group
----Reconciliations Group
---Office of Financial Resource Management
----Office of Financial Resource Management - HQ
----Internal Controls Management & Evaluation Office
----Enterprise Risk Management Office
---Finance Division
----Finance - HQ
----Financial Statements Group
----Data Control and Cost Execution Group
----Accounts Payable Purchase Orders, Grants & Foreign Payments
----Accounts Payable Contracts and Government Group
----Receivables Group
----Reconciliations Group
----Travel Group
---Financial Operations Division
----Travel Group
----Agreements Group
----Accounts Receivable Group
----Accounts Payable II Group
----Financial Operations - HQ
----Accounts Payable Group
---Budget Division
----Technical and Extramural Programs Group
----Institutional Support and Facilities Group
----Budget - HQ
----Formulation and Financial Management Group
-Laboratory Programs
--Communications Technology Laboratory
---RF Technology Division
----High-Speed Waveform Metrology Group
----Superconductive Electronics Group
----Metrology for Wireless Systems Group
----Guided Wave Electromagnetics Group
----Electromagnetic Fields Group
----RF Technology Division - HQ
---Smart Connected Systems Division
----IoT Devices and Infrastructures Group
----Networked Control Systems Group
----Smart Connected Manufacturing Systems Group
----Smart Grid Group
----Transformational Networks and Services Group
---Spectrum Technology and Research Division
----Applied Systems Metrology Group
----Fiber Sources and Applications Group
----Shared Spectrum Metrology Group
----Spectrum Technology and Research – HQ
---Wireless Networks Division
----Internet Technologies Research Group
----Radio Access and Propagation Metrology Group
----Wireless Networks Division - HQ
----Wireless Systems Innovation and Performance Group
---Public Safety Communications Research Division
----Public Safety Communications Research Division - HQ
----Advanced Communications Research Group
----Network Operations Group
---Communications Technology Laboratory HQ
----Communications Technology Laboratory HQ Gp
----Boulder Laboratory Director Office
----Communication Test Coordination Office
--Engineering Laboratory
---Building Energy and Environment Division
----Building Energy and Environment - HQ
----Mechanical Systems and Controls Group
----Indoor Air Quality and Ventilation Group
----HVAC&R Equipment Performance Group
----Heat Transfer and Alternative Energy Systems Group
---Intelligent Systems Division
----Intelligent Systems - HQ
----Manipulation and Mobility Systems Group
----Cognition and Collaboration Systems Group
----Production Systems Group
----Sensing and Perception Systems Group
---Materials and Structural Systems Division
----Earthquake Engineering Group
----Engineering Research Support Group
----Infrastructure Materials Group
----Inorganic Materials Group
----Community Resilience Group
----Materials and Structural Systems - HQ
----Polymeric Materials Group
----Structures Group
---Engineering Laboratory Office
----Applied Economics Office
----Disaster Impact Reduction Office
----Engineering Laboratory - HQ
----Engineering Laboratory Data, Security, Technology Group
---Fire Research Division
----National Fire Research Laboratory Group
----Wildland Urban Interface Fire Group
----Flammability Reduction Group
----Fire Research - HQ
----Engineered Fire Safety Group
----Fire Fighting Technology Group
---Systems Integration Division
----Life Cycle Engineering Group
----Process Engineering Group
----Information Modeling and Testing Group
----Systems Integration - HQ
--Information Technology Laboratory
---Applied Cybersecurity Division
----Applied Cybersecurity - HQ
----Cybersecurity and Privacy Applications Group
----National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence
----Trusted Identity Initiative Group
----NICE
---Computer Security Division
----Computer Security - HQ
----Cryptographic Technology Group
----Secure Systems and Applications Group
----Security Components and Mechanisms Group
----Security Test, Validation and Measurement Group
----Security Engineering and Risk Management Group
---Applied and Computational Mathematics Division
----Mathematical Software Group
----Mathematical Analysis and Modeling Group
----Quantum Information Group
----High Performance Computing and Visualization Group
----Applied and Computational Mathematics - HQ
---Statistical Engineering Division
----Applied and Computational Statistics Group
----Statistical Design, Analysis, and Modeling Group
----Statistical Engineering - HQ
---Software and Systems Division
----Systems Interoperability Group
----Software Quality Group
----Software and Systems - HQ
----Cyber Infrastructure Group
----Information Systems Group
---Information Access Division
----Information Access - HQ
----Image Group
----Multimodal Information Group
----Retrieval Group
----Visualization and Usability Group
---Information Technology Laboratory Office
----Office of Computational Science for Metrology
----Office of Emerging Technologies
----Office of IT Standardization
----Office of Government and Industrial Liaison
----Information Technology Laboratory Office - HQ
----Office of Chief Cybersecurity Advisor
--Laboratory Programs
---Research Data and Computing Office
----Research Data and Computing Office – HQ
---Research Protections Office
----Research Protections Office - HQ
---Research Security and Safeguarding Science Office
----Research Security and Safeguarding Science - HQ
---Standards Coordination Office
----International Standards Policy and Coordination Group
----Standards and Conformity Assessment Services Group
----Standards Coordination Office - HQ
----National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP)
---Special Programs Office
----Special Programs Office-HQ
----Law Enforcement Standards Office
---Associate Director for Laboratory Programs
----Associate Director for Laboratory Programs - HQ
--Material Measurement Laboratory
---Office of Reference Materials
----Business and Quality Management Group
----Business Application Development, Support, and Security Group
----Sales and Customer Services Group
----Publication and Web Services Group
----Office of Reference Materials - HQ
----Materials and Physical Services Group
---Office of Data and Informatics
----Office of Data and Informatics - HQ
----Data Services Group
----Data Sciences Group
---Biosystems and Biomaterials Division
----Biomarker and Genomic Sciences Group
----Cellular Engineering Group
----Biomaterials Group
----Genome-Scale Measurements Group
----Complex Microbial Systems Group
----Cell Systems Science Group
----Biosystems and Biomaterials Division - HQ
---Chemical Sciences Division
----Biochemical and Exposure Science Group
----Chemical Informatics Group
----Optical Measurements Group
----Chemical Process and Nuclear Measurements Group
----Gas Sensing Metrology Group
----Inorganic Chemical Metrology Group
----Biospecimen Science Group
----Environmental Chemical Sciences Group
----Chemical Sciences Division - HQ
----Marine Biochemical Sciences Group
----Organic Chemical Metrology Group
---Biomolecular Measurement Division
----Biomolecular Structure and Function Group
----Mass Spectrometry Data Center Group
----Bioprocess Measurements Group
----Bioanalytical Science Group
----Biomolecular Measurement Division - HQ
----Applied Genetics Group
---Applied Chemicals and Materials Division
----Applied Chemicals and Materials Division - HQ
----Thermodynamics Research Center Group
----Thermophysical Properties of Fluids Group
----Nanoscale Reliability Group
----Fluid Characterization Group
----Fatigue and Fracture Group
---Materials Science and Engineering Division
----Thermodynamics and Kinetics Group
----Polymers Processing Group
----Mechanical Performance Group
----Polymers and Complex Fluids Group
----Materials Science and Engineering Division - HQ
----Functional Polymers Group
----Functional Nanostructured Materials Group
---Materials Measurement Science Division
----Security Technologies Group
----Surface and Trace Chemical Analysis Group
----Nanomechanical Properties Group
----Nano Materials Research Group
----Materials Structure and Data Group
----Microscopy and Microanalysis Research Group
----Synchrotron Science Group
----Materials Measurement Science Division - HQ
----Data and AI-Driven Materials Science Group
---Material Measurement Laboratory Office
----The Material Measurement Laboratory Office of Operations Group
----Material Measurement Laboratory - HQ
----Genome-Scale Measurement Group
--NIST Center for Neutron Research
---NIST Center for Neutron Research
----Research Facility Operations Group
----NIST Center for Neutron Research - HQ
----Reactor Operations and Engineering Group
----Neutron-Condensed Matter Science Group
--Physical Measurement Laboratory
---Microsystems and Nanotechnology Division
----Biophysical and Biomedical Measurement Group
----Microsystems and Nanotechnology - HQ
----Nanostructure Fabrication and Measurement Group
----Photonics and Optomechanics Group
---Time and Frequency Division
----Atomic Devices & Instrumentation Group
----Precision Photonic Synthesis Group
----Quantum & Nonlinear Nanophotonics Group
----Atomic Standards Group
----Ion Storage Group
----Neutral Atom Optical Clocks Group
----Time Realization and Distribution Group
----Phase Noise Metrology Group
----Time and Frequency - HQ
---Quantum Physics Division
----Quantum Physics - HQ
---Radiation Physics Division
----Dosimetry Group
----Radioactivity Group
----Radiation Physics - HQ
----Neutron Physics Group
---Sensor Science Division
----Fundamental Thermodynamics Group
----Ultraviolet Radiation Group
----Sensor Science - HQ
----Dimensional Metrology Group
----Temperature & Humidity Group
----Remote Sensing Group
----Optical Radiation Group
----Fluid Metrology Group
----Surface and Interface Metrology Group
---Applied Physics Division
----Advanced Microwave Photonics Group
----Spin Electronics Group
----Applied Physics - HQ
----Faint Photonics Group
----Quantitative Nanostructure Characterization Group
----Quantum Devices Group
----Molecular and Bio-Photonics Group
----Optoelectronic Manufacturing Group
----Magnetic Imaging Group
----Quantum Nanophotonics Group
----Sources and Detectors Group
---Quantum Measurement Division
----Quantum Optics Group
----Mass and Force Group
----Quantum Measurement - HQ
----Laser Cooling and Trapping Group
----Fundamental Electrical Measurements Group
----Applied Electrical Metrology Group
----Atomic Spectroscopy Group
---Quantum Sensors Division
----Device Fabrication Group
----Long Wavelength Sensors and Applications Group
----Quantum Calorimeters Group
----Quantum Electronics Group
----Quantum Processing Group
----Quantum Sensors Group
----Quantum Sensors – HQ
----Nanoscale Spin Dynamics Group
----Microfabrication Group
----Spin Electronics Group
----Magnetics Group
---Nanoscale Device Characterization Division
----Atom Scale Device Group
----Nanoscale Device Characterization Division - HQ
----Alternative Computing Group
----Nanoscale Spectroscopy Group
----Advanced Electronics Group
----Nanoscale Processes and Measurements Group
---Physical Measurement Laboratory Office
----Boulder Microfabrication Facility
----Physical Measurement Laboratory- HQ
----PML Information Office
----Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology
----Office of Weights and Measures
----Boulder Laboratory Director Office
-Innovation & Industry Services
--Office of Advanced Manufacturing
---Microelectronics Manufacturing Division
----Microelectronics Manufacturing – HQ
----Microelectronics Strategy and Enterprise Group
----Semiconductor Coordination Group
----Semiconductor Operations Group
----Workforce and Equity Development Group
---Office of Advanced Manufacturing
----Office of Advanced Manufacturing - HQ
---Partnerships and Outreach Division
----Communications and Marketing Group
----Education and Workforce Development Group
----Partnership Engagement Group
----Partnerships and Outreach – HQ
----Technology Hubs Development Group
---Program Operations Division
----Competitions Group
----Institute and Program Management Group
----Performance Management Group
----Program Operations - HQ
---Strategy and Planning Division
----Analysis and Benchmarking Group
----Strategic Planning Group
----Strategy and Planning – HQ
--Baldrige Performance Excellence Program
---Baldrige Performance Excellence Program Office
----Award Process Group
----Director's Office, Baldrige Performance Excellence Program
----Administrative Support/Electronic Information Group
----Outreach and Communications Group
----Publications Management Group
----Workforce Development Group
--Innovation & Industry Services
---Associate Director for Innovation & Industry Services
----Associate Director for Innovation & Industry Services - HQ
---Advanced Manufacturing Office
----Advanced Manufacturing Office - HQ
---Economic Analysis Office
----Economic Analysis Office - HQ
---Technology Partnerships Office
----Technology Partnerships Office - HQ
---Technology Innovation Program Office
----Technology Innovation Program Office - HQ
--Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program
---National Platforms Division
----National Platforms – HQ
----Network Knowledge Management Group
----Supply Chain Group
---National Programs Division
----National Programs- HQ
---Network Learning and Strategic Competitions Division
----Network Learning and Strategic Competitions - HQ
---Outreach and External Affairs Division
----Outreach and External Affairs – HQ
---Performance Evaluation and Economic Impacts Division
----Performance Evaluation and Economic Impacts - HQ
----Performance Metrics and Evaluation Group
---Regional and State Partnerships Division
----Regional Management Group
----Regional and State Partnerships - HQ
---Network Agreements Management Division
----Network Agreements Management - HQ
----Node B Group
----Node A Group
---Internal Operations Division
----Internal Operations – HQ
----Center Operations and Financial Management Group
---Extension Services Division
----Extension Services - HQ
---Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program Office
----Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program - HQ
-Director's Office
--Director's Office
---Ombuds Office
----Ombuds Office - HQ
---Public Affairs Office
----Media Liaison Group
----Video and Digital Media Production Group
----Public Affairs Office - HQ
----Internal Communications and Inquiries Group
----Conference Program and Audiovisual Services Group
----Boulder Meetings Support and Services Group
----Web Content Development Group
---Program Coordination Office
----Program Coordination Office - HQ
---Director's Office
----Director's Office - HQ
----Onboarding Group
---Congressional and Legislative Affairs Office
----Congressional and Legislative Affairs Office - HQ
---Human Subjects Protection Office
----Human Subjects Protection Office - HQ
---Management and Organization Office
----Management and Organization Office- HQ
---International and Academic Affairs Office
----International and Academic Affairs Office - HQ