9th Annual PGI Conference 2025

Conference Themes

Crossing Research Boundaries

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.

Supporting a Healthier Society

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.

Building Trust in a Digital Future

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.

Opening Address 

Dr Peter Thompson, CEO of NPL

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.

Keynote Speakers

The Rt Hon. Lord David Willets PC, FRS, HonFRSC, HonFREng, FAcSS

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.

 

Professor Linda Bauld OBE, FRCPE, FRSE, FAcSS, FFPH

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 & Ceilidh

Fancy 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.

The Civic Reception and conference dinner will be held at CITATION (40 Wilson Street, Merchant City, Glasgow, G1 1HD)

Day 2 – Empowering the next generation