Office of the Director

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. 

Under Secretary for Standards and Technology and NIST Director

Credit: Brandon Hayes/NIST

Arvind Raman is the fifth Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and the 18th director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Dr. Raman joined NIST after a distinguished career at Purdue University in Indiana.

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Deputy Under Secretary for Standards and Technology and Deputy NIST Director

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.

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