Albert Einstein is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating and influential figures of the modern era. To celebrate 100 years of his first paper on relativity theory, the University of Aberdeen will next week host a public lecture evening and discussion.
As a pre-eminent physicist, Einstein radically transformed our understanding of the universe. His contribution to modern physics is simply unique. He played a crucial role in establishing the two pillars of 20th century physics - he was the father of the theory of relativity and a major contributor to quantum theory.
The Einstein Centenary Meeting will take place on Monday, March 21 in the Fraser Noble Lecture Theatre 2, University of Aberdeen at 7.30pm. The meeting will comprise of three short lectures to commemorate the 100th anniversary.
The first lecture to be held during the evening event will be given Dr John Pulham from the Department of Mathematical Sciences and will focus on the historical background of the subject. This will be followed by a presentation from Professor Graham Hall, also from the Department of Mathematical Sciences, and will be on the actual 1905 paper. Finally, Dr John Reid, from the Department of Physics, will discuss the experimental support for Einstein's work.
Each lecture will last for about 30 minutes and time will be allowed for questions and discussion. All of the talks are aimed at a general audience, and will require little scientific background.
Professor Hall has been involved in organising the event and explained: “Einstein’s work was probably the most important work in the physical sciences since Newton’s “Principia” and it is right and proper that we celebrate it, and at a level that excludes nobody.
“Einstein’s first paper on relativity theory was published in 1905 and it was this paper which laid the foundations for special relativity. I hope that all attending will find the evening event to be very informative. As well as this being the 100th anniversary of his first paper, it is apt that this year is also the 50th anniversary of his death and this week was his birthday.”
The event is free of charge and everyone is welcome. Booking is not required. Refreshments will be provided by the College of Physical Sciences following the event and will be available in the foyer immediately outside the venue after the lectures. Car parking is available in the car parks adjacent to the Fraser Noble Building.
The meeting will be held in the Fraser Noble Lecture Theatre 2, University of Aberdeen, on Monday, March 21 at 7.30pm. For further details contact Professor Graham Hall, Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Aberdeen on: (01224) 272748 or email: g.hall@maths.abdn.ac.uk