Lattice QCD: from Promise to Precision

<!--HTML--><p>Within the Standard Model of particle physics, quantum chromodynamics (QCD, the theory of the strong force) is unique in several ways. &nbsp;It is a beautiful quantum field theory, consistent at all energies, all temperatures, and all densities. &nbsp;It is rich in emergent phenomena, which is a more challenging kind of beauty when quantitative understanding is needed. &nbsp;By now, however, several “incalculable” QCD properties have been calculated with sub-percent precision, thanks to numerical lattice gauge theory. &nbsp;In this colloquium, I trace this subject’s journey from a promising technique to a precise and predictive tool, relied on to interpret experiments in particle physics, nuclear physics, and even astrophysics.</p>