The Postgraduate Institute for Measurement Science (PGI) annual conference brings together delegates from industry, academia, and policy backgrounds to discuss current and future global challenges where measurement science delivers significant impact. It is a platform for networking and providing an insight on the breadth of research conducted by PGI researchers as well as upskilling delegates in building resilience and converting setbacks into opportunities.
This year marks a truly exceptional milestone as we commemorate two significant anniversaries. To celebrate 10 years of the PGI and the 125th anniversary of the National Physical Laboratory, we will be joined by some exciting Keynote Speakers and interactive training sessions to mark this special occasion. Over the two days, we will be exploring how science and technology can build trust in a digital world, turn challenges into opportunities, connect different fields of research, and support a healthier society.
Join us to see how measurement science drives progress and innovation.
As disciplinary boundaries continue to blur, innovative collaborations across fields can spark novel insights and solutions. Interdisciplinary approaches encourage the exchange of diverse methodologies, perspectives, and theoretical frameworks needed to address the complex, multifaceted challenges of today’s world.
Accuracy is fundamental to advancing healthcare, developing life-saving treatments, and improving diagnostics and medical devices. This session will demonstrate how we must rely on the precision and innovation of measurement science to advance research.
As we move toward an increasingly digital future, trust has become a crucial foundation—particularly in areas such as the responsible use of AI and the ethical collection and management of data. In an era where technology underpins global connectivity, this session will explore how innovation is shaping our daily lives and the critical role trust plays in fostering a secure and ethical digital landscape.
Dr Peter Thompson CBE FREng FInstP FRSC is CEO of NPL, a national laboratory spanning science, innovation and technology and the UK’s National Metrology Institute (NMI).
In 2015 Peter joined NPL as CEO and has overseen the laboratory’s development and growth in recent years aligned to the UK’s National Challenges. This has included providing strategic leadership and oversight of NPL-led programs including the Cancer Research UK Rosetta Cancer Grand Challenge, National Timing Centre programme, Quantum programme, Measurement for Recovery programme, the Advanced Machinery and Productivity initiative and the UK Telecoms Lab (UKTL).
For outstanding leadership of the National Physical Laboratory and the sustained impact of metrology on UK prosperity and quality of life, Peter was awarded the Institute of Physics 2022 Richard Glazebrook medal and award. He also holds a number of advisory positions, in areas such as the National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP).
Peter brings a passion for diversity and inclusion in science and engineering and a focus on maximising impact for end users. His previous roles include strategic advisor to MOD’s Chief Scientific Adviser, Board Member and Deputy Chief Executive of Dstl and Head of the Counter Terrorism, Science and Technology Centre.
Peter is a Visiting Professor at the University of Surrey, a Non-Executive Director of the High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult and a Trustee of the Institute of Physics.
He is the recipient of two MOD Chief Scientific Advisor Commendations and the US National Intelligence Meritorious Unit Citation (NIMUC) award.
Peter was awarded a CBE in the 2025 King’s New Year Honours List. Peter was recognised for his services to science and technology.
British politician and life peer
The Rt Hon. Lord Willetts FRS, HonFREng is Chair of the UK Space Agency and of the Government’s Regulatory Innovation Office. He served as the Member of Parliament for Havant (1992-2015), as Minister for Universities and Science (2010-2014) and previously worked at HM Treasury and the No. 10 Policy Unit. He has held a range of Board positions across the Space and Science sector, including at Surrey Satellites. He was a member of the ESA Expert Group on the Future of Space in Europe, as well as the Space Advisory Board of the EU’s External Action Service. He currently sits on the Advisory Council of the European Space Policy Institute and chairs the Foundation for Science and Technology.
Bruce and John Usher Professor of Public Health, CO-Head of Centre for Population Health Sciences
Professor Linda Bauld OBE FMedSci FRSE FRCPE FAcSS FFPH FRSPH (Hon) is the Bruce and John Usher Chair in Public Health in the Usher Institute, College of Medicine, University of Edinburgh and Chief Social Policy Adviser to the Scottish Government. Her research focuses on the prevention or treatment of the main modifiable risk factors for Non-Communicable Diseases including cancer, diabetes and respiratory and cardiovascular diseases with a particular focus on tobacco, alcohol, the food environment and inequalities in health. She leads two research consortia: SPECTRUM - funded by the UK Prevention Research Partnership that focuses on the commercial determinants of health; and Behavioural Research UK (BR-UK) - funded by the ESRC as a leadership hub for behavioural research across topics and disciplines. She is Vice Chair of Diabetes UK and a board member of the Faculty of Public Health, the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and the Academy of Social Sciences. She chairs Cancer Research UK’s international cancer prevention advisory group and is a member of the scientific advisory group for Our Future Health and the Canadian Institutes for Health Research Institute of Population and Public Health. In her Scottish Government role, she serves as senior responsible officer for Place and Wellbeing (population health) and works across policy areas to improve the use of data and research within government. She is based in DG Communities, a part of government that has responsibility for policy relating to housing, local government, social security, equalities and human rights and child poverty.
Civic Reception, Conference Dinner & CeilidhFancy a dance? Stay with us for a memorable evening at Citation!
We are delighted this year to include a Civic Reception to formally welcome delegates to the City of Glasgow. This reception will be hosted by The Lord Provost (Scottish term for Lord Mayor). The Lord Provost is also the Lord Lieutenant (the King’s representative) in Glasgow. The Civic Reception will also include a drinks reception and will allow delegates to network with special guests and find out more about our engagement in Glasgow.
After dinner, experience the energy and tradition of a Scottish Ceilidh complete with live music and dancing. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a first-timer; this is a fantastic opportunity to unwind, celebrate and immerse yourself in Scottish culture.
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The Civic Reception and conference dinner will be held at CITATION (40 Wilson Street, Merchant City, Glasgow, G1 1HD)
This day will be a combination of talks and interactive workshops, delivered in a dynamic way helping delegates to learn how challenges in research and technology, when met with perseverance and creative problem-solving, can lead to groundbreaking discoveries. It will equip you with useful tips to help you overcome obstacles and build resilience and capacity to advance your future career.
Dr Ilana Wisby is a deep tech entrepreneur and CEO of Oxford Quantum Circuits. She holds a PhD in Quantum Physics from Royal Holloway, University of London, and has previous experiences building start-ups from the ground up and working on deep-tech closely linked with academia. Ilana is passionate about diversity, ethics and redefining leadership framed in emotional intelligence and fractal management. She is also an accomplished pianist.
Professor of Practice for Space, University of Strathclyde
Professor Craig Clark is a visionary space engineer and entrepreneur, renowned for his pioneering work in commercialising small satellites. In 2005, Craig founded Clyde Space Ltd, Glasgow’s first space company. In July 2014, Clyde Space launched UKube-1, Scotland’s first satellite and received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2017. Now Professor of Practice for Space at the University of Strathclyde, Craig was awarded an MBE in 2013. He is a Satellite Applications Catapult non-Exec Director, on the Board of Trustees of the Glasgow Science Centre, Trustee of the Baird of Bute Society, Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Fellow of the Institution of Engineers in Scotland, Honorary Doctorate from University of Glasgow and Inductee of the Scottish Engineering Hall of Fame.
Chief Commercial Officer, University of Strathclyde
Gillian Docherty is Chief Commercial Officer at the University of Strathclyde. Gillian has responsibility for Innovation & Industry Engagement, Research & Knowledge Exchange Services, Campus Support and Marketing & Development. As a member of the Executive Team, she works across the institution to drive forward the University’s sector-leading activities with industry and support Scotland and the UK’s economic recovery from the global pandemic.
Prior to joining the University in 2022, Gillian was the Chief Executive of The Data Lab, Scotland’s innovation centre for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence with a mission to help Scotland maximise value from data and lead the world to a data-powered future. Gillian was appointed an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2019 for Services to Information Technology and Business. In 2024, she was made a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the New Year's Honours List in recognition of her service to Business and Technology. Gillian is also Chair of CodeBase, a tech ecosystem support organisation that has supported over 500 startups and scaleups, who have collectively raised over £4 billion. She was appointed Chair of Scotland’s AI Alliance, created to drive forward the recommendations in the AI Strategy for Scotland. Formerly of IBM, Gillian is a TED speaker and was named Digital Leader 2018 for the UK, she received an Outstanding Achievement Award at Scotland’s Women in Technology Awards in 2019. Gillian was named CEO of the year at the Digital Technology Awards 2017 and was also in the UK’s top ten most influential people in data according to DataIQ. She is Past President of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, a trustee of Beyonder Involve Charity and an industry advisor to several Startups. Gillian has a degree in Computing Science from the University of Glasgow, an Honorary Doctorate from Robert Gordon University and is married with a daughter.
Join us and your fellow PGI delegates on an optional walking tour around Glasgow to discover the city’s rich history, stunning architecture and vibrant culture.
If you’re excited about the 9th Annual PGI Conference and want to be a part of it, register at the link below! Whether you plan to present or simply attend, be sure not to miss this chance to engage with your fellow PGI delegates. We look forward to welcoming you!
Hotels in and around Glasgow Central Station and University of Strathclyde Download the accommodation sheet
The PGI was established in 2015 with the aim of becoming the leading institution for postgraduate research and training in measurement science in the UK. The vision for the PGI was developed through a strategic partnership between the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), the University of Strathclyde and the University of Surrey. The PGI works with a range of academic and industrial partners to provide a prominent and distinctive centre for collaborative measurement science research and state-of-the-art training facilities and to develop a highly skilled future workforce. Our cohort has been growing rapidly since its establishment and we currently have around 200 students working on various multi-disciplinary projects with over 30 universities across the UK, working under the supervision of around 250 distinguished academics and scientists.