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.

NIST Director and under secretary of commerce for standards and technology

Dr. James Olthoff is currently performing the non-exclusive functions and duties of the Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and Director, National Institute of Standards and Technology. In this role, Dr. Olthoff provides high-level oversight and direction for NIST. 

Prior to taking on this role, Dr. Olthoff was the Associate Director for Laboratory Programs. He provided direction and operational guidance for all of NIST's scientific and technical laboratory programs, and served as principal deputy to the Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and NIST Director, among other duties. He held that position starting in 2018. 

Read Dr. Olthoff's full bio.