ASDC February newsletter: Tickets now on sale for Accessibility Unlocked | Final Space Call | Cool Food Pro joins ASDC
Association for Science and Discovery Centres
Working with members to make science accessible, inclusive and valued as a fundamental part of our everyday lives.
Hello and welcome to our February newsletter. As a national organisation supporting a wide range of members, it’s our role to listen in and find out what’s going on, taking regular temperature checks to understand current priorities and challenges. The outcomes shape the way we run ASDC, and who we collaborate with to scope new and exciting opportunities.
Now in its second year, the ASDC sector survey provides compelling evidence across many disciplines with the data we need to show the critical value of the science and discovery centre network. Join the team for the next Members’ Forum on 19th March as we delve into the results.
Looking ahead, please save the 9-10th September in your calendars for the ASDC Conference 2025 National Science and Media Museum in Bradford, early bird tickets will go on sale in the Spring.
Could your organisation benefit from joining the ASDC network? Find out about membership?including the benefits, opportunities, and the value of being part of this unique science engagement community. Lastly a reminder to visit the ASDC website for the latest?funding opportunities,?jobs?events and training. We also welcome ASDC members to join the dedicated?LinkedIn group?created to facilitate discussions, share challenges, opportunities and ideas!
We look forward to seeing you and your colleagues at the next ASDC event,
Team ASDC
Accessibility Unlocked - tickets now on sale!
7th May, Winchester Science Centre and online
We’re excited to invite you to Accessibility Unlocked, the event dedicated to making small changes for a big impact - everyone, no matter where they are placed within an organisation - can make a difference to accessibility.?
This one-day event can be experienced by everyone in your team with both in-person and online options. Featuring keynotes, demo tables and dynamic workshops, the day is jam-packed with opportunities for learning and collaboration.
We welcome ASDC members and non-members to this event with ticket options for everyone.?
ASDC March Members’ Forum: Membership survey findings
19th March 2025 , 2-3pm
For the second year running, ASDC has gathered data through the sector survey. Sent to all Chief Executives and senior leaders within the membership, the survey provides key insights and an up-to-date snapshot of the sector.
This month's forum will be dedicated to sharing the findings, covering areas including organisational structure, audiences, website and social media presence, workforce, finances and the year ahead.?Come along to make the most of this collaborative data sharing across the network!
Final Space Community Call: Astrobiology, exoplanets and upcoming missions
25th March 12pm - 1:30pm
March brings with it our final Space Community Call, and we’re delighted to announce that we’ll be joined by Professor Lewis Dartnell .
Delivering a keynote on searching for life beyond the Earth, he’ll be delving into the field of astrobiology, investigating exoplanets, and discussing missions such as Europa Clipper and what they might discover. The call will also include sharing hands-on engagement ideas and demonstrations from across the network. Join us as we bring the community back together one last time!
‘Chasing the moon’ for National Astronomy Week
ASDC Members took part in National Astronomy Week 2025, which ran from 1st - 9th February. This year’s theme was ‘Chasing the moon’, and events ranged from ‘ask an astronomer’ live streams to planetarium shows, from talks on asteroid defence, to DIY pinhole camera sessions.
Welcome to new ASDC Associate Member Cool Food Pro
Cool Food Pro is a free online carbon calculator which supports caterers to move towards more sustainable practices across five key areas.
Caterers can set targets to reduce their environmental impact, aligning with their organisation’s decarbonisation plans. They can track their carbon savings and share these with their customers using data visualisations.
Members’ news & events:
New CEO of Scottish Seabird Centre announced
The Scottish Seabird Centre has appointed conservational Harry Huyton as new CEO. Harry brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience, having worked in the environmental sector for over 20 years.
As former Head of Climate Change for RSPB and Director of animal welfare charity, OneKind, Harry is acutely aware of the challenges facing the marine environment and pace of change needed to halt and reverse the decline of Scotland’s marine species.
Royal Academy of Engineering launches student summer research placements in AI
Partnering with Google DeepMind and The Hg foundation, for the second year running the Royal Academy of Engineering are running Google DeepMind Research Ready.
The programme, which aims to widen participation in AI research and careers, will support up to 120 UK undergraduates from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds to embark on AI research placements at top UK universities in 2025. The scheme’s first research placements, taking place this summer, are now open for student applications.
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New Infinity Room opens at International Centre for Life
Visitors to International Centre for Life can experience infinity (and beyond!) in a new immersive exhibit designed to raise awareness about recycling.
The ‘Infinity Room’ installation, created by recycling not-for-profit Every Can Counts, allows visitors to step inside a giant drink can made out of 1,500 recycled cans and 25 square metres of mirrors. This creates the illusion of being surrounded by an infinite number of suspended aluminium cans.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year announces People’s Choice winner
A striking portrait of a badger admiring some street art has swept to victory in the Natural History Museum ’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year 60 People’s Choice Award. Titled?No Access, Ian Wood’s photo fought off competition from 24 other images to emerge victorious.
Edinburgh Science Festival
Saturday 5th - Sunday 20th April
The Edinburgh Science Festival began 35 years ago as the world’s first public celebration of science and technology as a Festival, and continues to take places annually over the Easter holidays. This year’s festival will explore the challenges of living on a planet with finite resources, through the lenses of science fiction and space exploration, with the theme Spaceship Earth. With the first events now open for online booking, you can find out more here.
News from the STEM sector:
UNESCO needs your voice!
Tuesday 11th February marks the 10th anniversary of International Day of Woman and Girls in Science. To celebrate, UNESCO are launching a new inspiring campaign - “Imagine a world with more women in science".
To ensure this campaign reaches as many people as possible, UNESCO are calling for you to get involved. Join the conversation on social media from 11th February by sharing your response to the question “What do you think would be different in your field if more women were involved in science?”, using the hashtag #EveryVoiceInScience?and tagging @UNESCO.?
Tell Parliament what they should put under the microscope
What should MPs be focusing on? Now’s your chance to platform the voice of the young people you work with, by pitching an idea to the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee.
The Committee’s role is to look at government policies, and see how they could be improved. Now, they want to know which topics you think they should explore.
Deadline is 24th March
Contribute to a government research project on STEM skills pipeline
To ensure their research publications are comprehensive and balances, the UK government seeks insights from experts. They are currently looking to describe the current UK STEM skills pipeline, including the development of essential skills and issues that may be affecting the STEM workforce issues that may affect delivery.
Deadline for contributions is 21st March.
Benchmark your Digital Advertising in 2025
Imagine if your science centre knew exactly how much to spend on digital advertising, which platforms to?prioritise, and what results to expect.
New for 2025, a quick and easy benchmarking study from visitor attraction marketeer Agility?aims to do this and so much more.? Attractions of all sizes are invited to take part, and all those that do will receive early results?pre-Easter.???
Funding, jobs, events and training
Upcoming ASDC events, sector-wide jobs and funding opportunities are listed on our website. To share news from your centre or museum in our next newsletter please email [email protected]