To celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Lord Kelvin, the University of Glasgow is hosting a series of events and opportunities for guests, members of the public, and academics coming from around the world.

Lord Kelvin became one of the 19th century’s most accomplished scientists, making breakthrough contributions to physics, engineering, and mathematics during his near life-long career at the University of Glasgow, where he enrolled at just ten years old.

The University of Glasgow’s events will shine a spotlight on the Scots-Irish scientist’s life of invention, innovation, and inspiration through a series of lectures, the display of historical items and records, and artistic interpretation.

Tomorrow, on June 25th, the Lord Kelvin: Beyond Absolute Zero exhibition will begin a two-week run at the University’s Mazumdar-Shaw Advanced Research Centre (ARC).

The exhibition will showcase historical items including an antique Kelvin-designed voltmeter, one of the commercial products he created following his development of accurate methods of measuring electricity.

Through videos and text displays, visitors can learn about the scientist’s life and work, and some of his lesser-known achievements, including work on chirality, a scientific concept of molecular symmetry with important applications in biology.

Kelvin’s mathematical formula for the most efficient space-filling shape, which remained unsurpassed until 1993, is part of the inspiration for two new paintings created by Gregor Harvie in collaboration with researchers from the university’s School of Physics and Astronomy.

The large canvases—one filled with colour, and one monochrome—depict the universes of light and dark matter, each portraying an intricate grid of computer-modelled Kelvin cells inspired by Kelvin’s mathematical formula.

Professor Stephen Barnett, of the university’s Quantum Theory Group, collaborated with Harvie on discussions about the theory behind the paintings for more than a year.

He said: “Working with Gregor to produce these very striking paintings has been a fantastic experience, and I’m thrilled to see them on display at the university during our Kelvin bicentenary celebrations.

“Kelvin’s work across a wide range of disciplines helped in many ways to create the world we live in today. He made key contributions to laying the first transatlantic telegraph cable, leading directly to our ultra-connected world, and he was the first person to have his home lit entirely by electric light, showing the benefits of electricity.

“It’s wonderful to think that he’s continuing to provide inspiration not just for scientists but for artists too.”

Recommended reading

• Scots Science Supercomputer Clocks in 100 Million Hours of Compute
• UK to Deepen Tech, Science, and Research Links with Germany
• UK Back in EU Horizon Research Programme

On June 26th, the ARC will host the Kelvin Bicentenary Symposium, featuring speakers from the USA and UK presenting talks on how Kelvin’s work on precision measurement, thermodynamics, optics, and communications helped shape the modern world.

Later that day, The Hunterian will host Dr Daniel Mitchell of the IEEE History Centre for a lecture on Kelvin’s contributions to measurement and quantification.

A series of events between June 26th and July 9th will also showcase Kelvin-related items curated by the University of Glasgow Library and The Hunterian.

The two-part Collecting Kelvin events will allow visitors to the Library and Kelvin Hall the opportunity to see some of Kelvin’s records, documents, prototypes, and scientific instruments for themselves.

Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Glasgow, said: “Lord Kelvin is one of the key figures of the 573-year history of the University of Glasgow, and we’re proud to be celebrating his legacy during this bicentenary year.

“A true polymath who made vital contributions to a range of scientific disciplines during his life, he was also a pioneering businessman whose inventions helped drive forward the burgeoning industrial revolution.”

“We’re looking forward to welcoming guests, members of the public and colleagues from around the world onto campus during the week of the 200th anniversary of Kelvin’s birth to help us celebrate his achievements,” he added.