NIST Tech Beat | July 2026
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Measure. Innovate. Lead.
Arvind Raman Confirmed as the 18th NIST Director
Formerly the dean of engineering at Purdue, Raman will guide NIST’s collaborative efforts with industry and other organizations to develop the technology, measurements and standards needed to create innovative U.S. products and services. Read more about the new director.
NIST Experts Help Preserve 250 Years of American History
As part of its historic preservation efforts, NIST engineers and scientists created a bespoke time capsule, buried in Philadelphia on July 4, containing distinctive artifacts from around the country. Learn more about the time capsule.
NIST Receives New Patent for Microbe-Killing Water Heater
The new water heater design raises the water temperature enough to kill harmful bacteria before cooling it enough for people to use safely. Learn more about the new design.
NIST Launches Center to Drive the Manufacture of Quantum Technologies
The Quantum Manufacturing Engineering Center (QMEC) will accelerate manufacturing of components and systems to spur growth in the U.S. quantum industry. Learn more about the new center.
New Fabric Test Material Could Help Strengthen Domestic Supply Chain for Textiles and Clothing
This is the first step toward a reference material that will help the textile industry identify fabrics and repurpose them into new products. Learn more about the new material.
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The Science Behind Ketchup Pouring Could Lead to Ceramic 3D Printing
A NIST materials scientist is working to accurately measure how wet ceramic flows as it’s pushed and pulled. Read more about research on ceramic 3D printing.
NIST Announces Funding Opportunity for 14 MEP Centers to Advance Small and Medium-Sized U.S. Manufacturers
The funding will establish Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers to improve U.S. industrial competitiveness by helping manufacturers adopt advanced manufacturing technologies. Learn more about this funding opportunity.
How Do Glucose Monitors Measure Sugar Levels in the Blood?
A continuous glucose monitor uses a tiny sensor under the skin to measure glucose in the fluid around your cells, rather than in your blood. Learn more about how CGMs work.
The AD-X2 Controversy
See how a NIST director in the 1950s battled political pressure to defend scientific integrity — and won. Watch our award-winning documentary on YouTube.
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The NIST Tech Beat covers the full spectrum of standardization work—from quantum manufacturing to textile supply chains and water heater patents. The Quantum Manufacturing Engineering Center is particularly significant; as quantum computing moves toward practical applications, the manufacturing standards developed at NIST will define what's possible at scale. The MEP funding for small manufacturers also addresses a critical gap: helping smaller players adopt advanced manufacturing technologies.
The Quantum Manufacturing Engineering Center is the one to watch. Quantum technology is moving from lab to industry, and manufacturing standards are what will determine whether it scales. NIST's role in setting those standards is critical—not just for quantum, but for all emerging technologies.
Congratulations Dr. Arvind Raman on your confirmation as the 18th Director of NIST. NIST’s influence extends far beyond the United States. Its frameworks and publications have become foundational references for organisations worldwide, helping shape cybersecurity, governance, risk management, AI assurance, and technology standards. As someone building a career in Cyber Risk & Assurance, I’ll be following with interest how NIST continues to evolve its guidance to address emerging challenges around AI, resilience, and trustworthy technology. Leadership appointments like this are a reminder that effective cybersecurity isn’t just about technology—it’s about developing practical, evidence-based standards that organisations can rely on. Wishing Dr. Raman every success in leading NIST through its next chapter.