University launches new innovation timing node in partnership with the National Physical Laboratory
The University has launched a cutting-edge innovation timing node in collaboration with the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), the UK’s National Metrology Institute responsible for developing and maintaining primary measurement standards, including precise timekeeping.
The new node at Surrey forms an essential part of NPL's National Timing Centre programme – a pioneering initiative to establish the UK’s first nationally distributed time infrastructure. This infrastructure is poised to revolutionise technologies that depend on precise timing, such as 6G networks, smart cities, and connected autonomous vehicles - by enabling secure and resilient timing solutions that support innovations like Digital Twins, physical-digital real-time interactivity, teleportation, and Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) systems.
Advancing telecommunications and smart infrastructure
The innovation timing node at Surrey is focused on enhancing secure and resilient timing solutions for next-generation telecommunications, smart infrastructure and new applications. Researchers are leveraging the node’s capabilities to explore robust wireless timing distribution methods for both fixed and mobile applications, ensuring seamless operation and resilience across interconnected technologies.
Reducing reliance on GNSS for secure timing
Currently, many technologies depend on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) for timing data. While globally accessible, GNSS signals are vulnerable to jamming and interference, posing risks to critical infrastructures. Surrey’s innovation node aims to overcome these challenges by developing secure, high[1]precision timing source and time distribution solutions that enhance reliability and security in telecommunications and smart infrastructure.
A foundation for the future of connected systems
The University is one of three UK institutions—alongside Cranfield University and the University of Strathclyde— selected to host an NPL timing node. Each site is focused on advancing transformative applications in sectors such as transport, telecommunications, financial technology, and quantum systems.
The launch event at Surrey brought together key stakeholders from government, industry, and academia, marking a significant milestone in the UK’s journey toward a secure, distributed timing infrastructure.
Our close partnership with the University of Surrey during the R&D phase of the National Timing Centre programme has driven innovation across sectors such as telecommunications and precision timing, helping to strengthen the resilience of the UK’s digital infrastructure. We are excited to continue this collaboration enabling both industry and academia to access traceable time and frequency signals, accelerating emerging technologies, and expanding training opportunities to support skills and diversity in the UK’s timing sector.Dr Leon Lobo, Head of the National Timing Centre, National Physical Laboratory
Related sustainable development goals
Media Contacts
External Communications and PR team
Phone: +44 (0)1483 684380 / 688914 / 684378
Email: mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk
Out of hours: +44 (0)7773 479911