The scientific work of the Institute depends on the availability of high technology methods. For example, our role in supporting the licensing process and batch release requires methods for the characterisation of products and potential products, and the manufacturing systems used to make them. 

The ability of the Institute to make useful and long-lived reference standards depends absolutely on our ability to design and test suitable formulations for freeze drying.

Work continues to develop novel formulations for freeze drying, to be able to analyse their behaviour and to predict suitable conditions. In addition, novel reference materials require novel presentation to ensure ease-of-use, efficient use of scarce materials whilst retaining long term stability.