The probable national benefits from the research in metrology, and mechanisms for capturing these benefits.

The importance to the nation of a proper metrology infrastructure and on-going research is enormous. Trade rests on chemical analysis, for example of protein content of grain, pesticide residues in beef, impurities in bauxite and other minerals. Errors in measurement have led and will continue to lead to millions of dollars in compensation, re-testing, and lost confidence. Chemical measurement in health, for example glucose and cholesterol monitoring have great impact. A recent study in the USA concluded that $100 million are saved each year as a result of more accurate cholesterol testing. Finally, accurate forensic and legal testing is vital to confidence in the Australian legal system. The Chamberlain 'dingo baby' case included an unfortunate example of bad forensic analysis, and more recently the DPP lost an appeal because of unsound chemical analysis of a designer amphetamine. More positively, Australia was praised for its excellent work in screening athletes for illegal drugs during the Sydney Olympics in 2000.

Because of the activity of Government bodies in metrology research, the capturing of benefits accruing from research is likely to be easier than from other areas of research. It is proposed that the NMI will be responsible for monitoring and exploiting research in metrology in chemistry.

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