NIST awards USD15M to ASTM for Standardization Centre of Excellence

The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has awarded USD15 million to ASTM International to establish a Standardization Centre of Excellence, aimed at enhancing the United States’ participation in international standardisation efforts for critical and emerging technologies (CETs). The award, announced on October 15, is part of a broader push to ensure the U.S. remains competitive and secure in rapidly evolving sectors like artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and biotechnology.

Based in West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, U.S.A., ASTM International, formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials, develops and publishes voluntary consensus standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services, including petroleum products, liquid fuels, and lubricants.

Based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, U.S.A., and part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, NIST supports the development of standards by identifying areas where they are needed, convening stakeholders and providing technical and scientific guidance and expertise to help stakeholder groups reach a consensus. 

The Standardization Centre of Excellence, a first-of-its-kind public-private partnership, will bring together a range of partners, including ANSI, ASME, IEEE, UL Standards and Engagement, and more, to drive industry-driven standards and expand the U.S.’s role in international technology markets. It will also align with the U.S. Government National Standards Strategy for Critical and Emerging Technology (USG NSSCET) and its implementation roadmap.

Speaking on the importance of the initiative, Charles Romine, NIST’s associate director for Laboratory Programmes, said: “Broad U.S. participation in the international standards process is vital to ensuring global market access for our products and services in the highly competitive and rapidly evolving technologies and that the resulting standards are based on sound science.”

The centre’s goals include engaging the private sector, building workforce capacity, and creating a central hub for information sharing to support standardisation in CETs. The centre will be funded over five years through a cooperative agreement, with NIST actively contributing technical expertise and leadership.

Founded in 1898, ASTM creates technical standards used by industries and governments worldwide to ensure safety, quality, and interoperability across numerous sectors, including construction, manufacturing, energy, environmental services, and more.