EngBioMet: A national metrology network to power UK innovation in engineering biology

4.45pm – 4.50pm BST, 21 April 2026 ‐ 5 mins

Session

Advances in engineering biology depend fundamentally on our ability to measure, characterise, and predict biological systems with confidence. Robust measurement science and standards are essential to transition the field from exploratory research to a reliable, safe, and scalable engineering discipline. High‑quality measurement frameworks enable data and processes that are reproducible, comparable, and trustworthy, foundations that underpin responsible innovation, regulatory preparedness, and successful translation into real‑world applications.

This presentation will introduce EngBioMet, a new national metrology network designed to accelerate UK innovation in engineering biology. EngBioMet will connect innovators with the National Measurement System (NMS and especially NML, NPL and MHRA South Mimms), providing coordinated access to expertise, infrastructure, and best‑practice guidance.

The network will deliver five core capabilities:

• Accessible expertise and infrastructure: Linking researchers, start‑ups, and industry with NMS laboratories to support technology development, scale‑up, and commercialisation.
• Tools: Developing and disseminating validated measurement methods, technologies, data resources, and control materials to enhance reproducibility and benchmarking.
• Standards and Standardisation: Producing best‑practice frameworks that drive process optimisation and product innovation across the engineering biology ecosystem.
• Pro‑Innovation Regulation: Facilitating constructive dialogue between innovators and regulators to ensure safe deployment, supply‑chain integrity, and regulatory compliance.
• Skills: Building capability and strengthening the metrology literacy of the engineering biology community through training and knowledge exchange.

EngBioMet aims to provide the measurement foundations required to accelerate responsible innovation and support the UK’s ambition to lead in engineering biology.

Speakers

Thierry Le Goff

Commercial Director, National Measurement Laboratory

Find out more

×

Thierry Le Goff

Commercial Director, National Measurement Laboratory

Thierry Le Goff is the Commercial Director at the National Measurement Laboratory, the UK’s designated institute for chemical and bio‑measurement. He leads diverse teams across programme management, business development, and training/consultancy, and oversees all commercial engagement with industry, academia and research organisations. His work focuses on integrating metrology and standards into key innovation areas, including engineering biology, in vitro diagnostics, novel foods, advanced therapeutics, precision medicine, and nanotechnology. 

Passionate about bridging the gap between scientific discovery and real‑world application, Thierry is driven by the potential of emerging technologies to improve health outcomes, protect the environment, and advance sustainability. 

He holds a PhD and postdoctoral research experience in Environmental Analytical Chemistry, with a career spanning academia, industry, and start‑up creation.