The IEEE France Section celebrated the Milestone Award for the Birth of Electrodynamics with two events, first at the College de France (Paris) on 3 April and then at the Ampere Museum in Poleymieux (near Lyon) on 4 April.
IEEE Milestone, The Birth of Electrodynamics, 1820-1827
Stimulated by experimental reports that an electric current could deflect a compass needle, Andre-Marie Ampere discovered the fundamental law of electrodynamics, the science of interactions between electric currents. He then developed the theory that electric currents are responsible for magnetism. These achievements formed the basis for electrical technologies, including electric motors and generators. In 1881, the International Electrical Congress named the unit of electric current the Ampere (A).
After Hans Oersted’s 1820 experiments proved the magnetic effects of electricity, Ampère attempted to formulate a combined theory of electricity and magnetism, thus founding the field of electrodynamics. His formulation of the mathematical description of the magnetic force between two electric currents is known as Ampère’s Law. Although he was not a methodical experimenter, he was the first person to develop measuring techniques for electricity. His contributions were recognized by the international scientific community when he was elected to the Royal Society of London in 1827. Ampère’s electrodynamic theory was fundamental to nineteenth-century developments in electricity and magnetism.
Milestone at the College de France
The unveiling of the Milestone at the College de France (Paris) was performed by dignitaries: Professor Thomas Romer, Administrator of the College; Professor Sylvie Retailleau, Minister of High Education and Research for France; Professor Rene Garello, President of the IEEE France Section; and Professor Vicenzo Piuri, IEEE Region 8 Director.
Milestone at the Ampere Museum in Poleymieux
The celebration unveiling the Milestone at the Ampere Museum in Poleymieux included dignitaries Professor Rene Garello, President of IEEE France Section; Mrs. Marie-Helene Mathieu, Councilor of the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region; Mrs. Karine Lucas, Councilor of the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region; Mr. Phillippe Ponchon, General Delegate of the Societe des Amis d’Andre-Marie Ampere; Professor Alfonso San-Miguel, President of the Societe des Amis d’Andre-Marie Ampere, and Professor Vicenzo Piuri, IEEE Region 8 Director.
