How do we know anything? And how can we know things better?

Name: How do we know anything? And how can we know things better?
Start: 2019-11-13T13:00:00+00:00
End: 2019-11-13T14:00:00+00:00
Location: No location set

by Dr Michael de Podesta (National Physical Laboratory)

Wednesday 13 Nov 2019, 13:00 → 14:00 Europe/London

Old Anatomy Lecture Theatre (King's building 6th floor)

Description

A talk about why measurement matters & the recent redefinition of four SI base units.

Measurement is at the heart of all science and engineering. And progress in science and engineering is often linked to progress in metrology – the science of measurement. After all, if we cannot measure something then we cannot begin to understand it (science) or improve it (engineering). In this talk I will explain the how the International System of Units (The SI) works, and why, in May 2019 scientists implemented subtle but profound changes in the definitions of four of these base units – the kilogram, ampere, kelvin and mole.

Tea and coffee will be provided after the lecture in S-2.23.