Talk: Like clockwork - everything you need to know about timekeeping
This event is part of the Royal Society's Summer Science Exhibition 2026.
Atomic clocks are fundamental to modern life and society, enabling everything from global navigation satellite systems and telecommunications to power-grid synchronisation and cutting-edge scientific discovery.
In this talk, Dr James McGilligan, Senior Lecturer at the University of Strathclyde and Lindemann Trust alum, explores how clocks have shaped society throughout history, revealing the physics that allows the atomic clock to tick with astonishing precision, and will cast an eye forward to where the next generation of timekeeping technology could take us.
Attending the event
This event will be held in Theatre 1 at the Royal Society on Friday 3 July 2026, 12pm – 12.30pm.
- Free to attend as part of Summer Science Exhibition on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to seat availability. We recommend that visitors arrive 10-15 minutes before the session
- Eventbrite tickets for Summer Science Exhibition are recommended, with only a limited number of walk-up tickets released on the day
- Suitable for students aged 14+
- This talk will take place in person
- A recording of this talk will be available later on the Royal Society YouTube channel
- Live subtitles will be available
- Travel and accessibility information and details on planning your visit - contact us directly to arrange any specific accessibility requirements
- Food and drink will be available for purchase at our onsite café
For all enquiries, please email us.