David Elder Lecture - Dr Setnam Shemar

Time and Space: From Atomic Clocks and Cosmic Clocks to Testing Einstein’s Relativity

Dr. Setnam Shemar, NPL

Time lies at the heart of our understanding of the Universe. From the motion of the stars to the world's most accurate atomic clocks, the ability to measure time ever more precisely has transformed astronomy, navigation and fundamental physics.

In this lecture, Dr Setnam Shemar of the National Physical Laboratory explores how both human-made atomic clocks and nature's own cosmic clocks—pulsars—have enabled remarkable discoveries, from the first exoplanets to increasingly precise tests of Einstein's theory of relativity. The journey culminates with the Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space (ACES), one of the most ambitious precision-timing experiments ever flown in orbit, opening a new era in our exploration of time, gravity and the Universe.

About the speaker

Dr Setnam Shemar is a Principal Scientist and Science Area Leader for Time and Frequency at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL). After completing a PhD in radio astronomy at Jodrell Bank Observatory, he has built a career spanning atomic timekeeping, precision timing and satellite navigation, as well as applications of pulsars as natural cosmic clocks. 

He currently leads the UK's scientific involvement in the Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space (ACES), one of the most ambitious precision timing experiments ever conducted in orbit. His work combines space missions, precision timing and tests of Einstein's theory of relativity, making use of cutting-edge atomic clocks to improve global timekeeping and explore fundamental physics.

About the David Elder Lectures

Glasgow Science Centre is proud to host the David Elder Lectures in partnership with the University of Strathclyde's Department of Physics. This lecture is open to adults and interested young adults. Please ensure you arrive at least 10 minutes before the event begins. After the start the doors will be closed and access will not be permitted.