INRIM is a public research centre acting as Italy's national metrology institute (NMI).

INRIM realises, maintains and develops the national reference standards of the measurement units of the International System (SI), consisting of seven base units - metre, kilogram, second, ampere, kelvin, mole and candela - and of derived units.

Thanks to these standards, the Institute is able to ensure measurements that are reliable and comparable on both a national and international scale.

Basic and applied research in many fields - such as materials science, nanoscience, quantum optics, studies on the fundamental constants of physics - as well as the development of new measurement technologies and instruments enhance the metrology activity.

Through seminars, exhibitions, events and conferences INRIM presents and disseminates its scientific findings and advancements. The Institute promotes education and training for young scientists organising PhD courses and financing scholarships and research grants.

In order to meet the needs of industry, INRIM has a dedicated department operating at direct contact with the world of production and providing consultancy, calibration, and testing services.

The Institute supports the National Laboratory Accreditation System by ensuring the quality of measurement standards and procedures and promoting the dissemination of the national standards of the SI measurement units.