Lord Kelvin’s bicentenary
We are gearing up to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of one of our most distinguished researchers.
William Thomson, better known as Lord Kelvin, was born on 26 June 1824. During his 53-year career at the University, he became one of the 19th century’s most important scientists, making a series of significant breakthroughs in mathematics, physics and engineering which helped shape the modern world.
His ground-breaking work on thermodynamics led to the development of the absolute temperature scale, which is now known as the Kelvin scale. He played a key role in laying the first transatlantic telegraph cable, inaugurating the age of intercontinental communications, and made important contributions to the study of electricity and magnetism. He filed 70 patents during his lifetime for inventions including the Kelvin compass, which helped improve maritime navigation.
Professor Miles Padgett is Kelvin Chair of Natural Philosophy in the School of Physics & Astronomy. He said: “I’m proud to hold the position that celebrates Kelvin, one of the University’s most remarkable inventors and innovators, and whose example continues to inspire scientists and engineers around the world today.
“I think Kelvin himself would be proud of our research at the University of Glasgow today. All across the University, just like Kelvin, we’re working to turn pure science into innovative technologies that impact on the real world, making better medical devices, next-generation communications, new net-zero technologies and more.
“I hope that people will join us on campus throughout June and beyond to celebrate Kelvin by seeing our rich collection of artefacts and artwork inspired by his historic legacy, and hearing about his life and work from expert speakers.”
Discover more
For more information on the life and achievements of Lord Kelvin, and the University of Glasgow’s planned celebrations during the month of June, visit our dedicated Lord Kelvin 200 pages.