Lower energy tests of the Standard Model

While the current focus on the search for new physics, outside of the Standard Model, is focussed on the LHC, precise measurements at lower energy still have a vital, complementary role to play. We focus on two examples, aimed at testing the Standard Model predictions of the Weinberg angle. The first involves parity violating electron scattering, where there is currently a very important measurement underway at Jefferson Lab. The second relates to the claim of a three standard deviation disagreement between the value of the Weinberg angle measured in deep inelastic neutrino scattering at Fermilab. Both of these approaches have also led to new insights into the solution of QCD in hadrons and nuclei.