ASDC July newsletter: #ASDC24 keynote speakers announced | Celebrate your volunteers ??
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 July newsletter.
The 2024 Labour Government brings new opportunities for ASDC as the UK’s largest network of Informal Science Learning, with our shared vision to ‘Break down barriers to opportunity’. As many of you know, a key focus for ASDC is to bring in new working practices across the sector to reach new audiences; finding innovative ways to engage underserved audiences with STEM, breaking down both visible and invisible barriers and spearheading best practice in working with disadvantaged communities.
We look forward to working with MPs Chi Onwurah, Peter Kyle Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Sir Patrick Vallance Minister of State (Minister for Science) and Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education and Minister for Women and Equalities to deliver on their key missions by understanding the potential of ASDC and the UK’s network of science centres and museums.
Lastly, the final call for submissions for the ASDC Conference in November (deadline is 12th July) as we start to create the programme to shape the future of science together.
We look forward to seeing you and your colleagues at one of the upcoming ASDC events.
Team ASDC
Shaping the future of science together
18 - 19th November, Royal Society, London
We are delighted to announce our first two keynote speakers; Chi Onwurah, Labour MP for Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West (left) and Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, Chief Executive of UK Research and Innovation (right) who will join us at The Royal Society to consider the future of science, technology, research and innovation in the UK and the value and power of our network within this vision. We look forward to announcing more keynote speakers in the coming weeks.
The ASDC Conference brings together the UK’s major science engagement organisations to play a strategic role in the nation’s engagement with science. Working in collaboration with key organisations, the conference programme of talks, workshops, networking sessions and discussions will explore how we shape the future of science in our rapidly changing world.
We look forward to welcoming everyone!
Nominate your volunteers or youth group - ￡500 prize!
Show your volunteers your appreciation by nominating them for our Volunteer Award, and new Youth Voice Award, supported by Marsh Charitable Trust . Winners receive ￡500, and nominations close on 31st July.
Annie McCarthy , Marsh Trust Manager, has shared a summary of the awards, and why she’s excited to be on the judging panel again this year.
ASDC Space Community Call - open to everyone
Wednesday 17th July, 1pm - 2.30pm
Don’t forget to register for our next space community call, where we’ll be talking all things lunar. It’s open to all space, astronomy and physics engagement professionals.
Come along to hear from NASA about the science of the Artemis programme, share hands-on engagement ideas from across the network, and look ahead to International Observe the Moon night.
ASDC August Members' Forum: Answers to your AI questions
Wednesday 7th August, 2 - 3pm
This forum will be dedicated to discussing the impact of AI on charities and non-profit organisations, with AI expert Ian McLintock .
Join colleagues from around the UK for this invaluable forum looking at the free AI services and support for the charity sector, the impact of AI on charity sector jobs, and answering your questions.
ASDC workshop: Secrets of Social Media Success
Starting Thursday 12th September, 10.30 - 11.30am
Do you need to be more strategic with your organisation’s social media?
Book a place for your team to focus on your science centre or museum's digital strategies and social media planning, guided by The Royal Institution’s Social Media Manager Steven Franklin .
Running over 3 weeks this is a hands-on workshop style course, bringing together digital teams from across the membership.
Register for the ASDC AGM?
18th September, 2 - 3pm
Have your say! We invite all ASDC members to the online AGM for the annual review, future plans, voting in new trustees and an opportunity for Q&A.
Call for ASDC trustees
Are you passionate about science engagement and the future of informal science learning??
We are looking for two new trustees to support our membership organisation to ?grow and thrive. We welcome non-members to sit on the board to bring a broader and more diverse perspective to the strategic leadership and scrutiny of the charity.??
Highlights from The Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition
From 2nd - 7th July, The Royal Society opened its doors for their annual Summer Science Exhibition. Hosting researchers from across the UK, the flagship event saw fourteen main exhibits take over the prestigious building in central London. Pictured here is ASDC’s Chief Executive Shaaron Leverment with Hannah Russell , Chief Executive at the British Science Association (BSA) and?Luke Jerram’s recent artwork Mirror Moon.
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New ASDC member - Origami Organelles
Origami Organelles produce downloadable 3D paper models for teaching biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, and more! Created from a fusion of love for science and experience making origami models, their aim is to make science more fun and easier to understand.
ASDC members’ news & events
Workshop: Delivering high quality engineering and technology outreach
Tuesday 16th July, 2pm - 3pm
Join Dan Powell , Head of Neon and Cat Sturman, Senior Code Manager from EngineeringUK , to understand how you can inspire young people into careers in engineering and technology by working with others to collectively raise the quality of outreach in the sector.
Save the date: The IoP Communicators Conference
14th November
The Institute of Physics Outreach and Communicators Conference is an opportunity for science communicators of all levels of experience to gather, network, and learn from a variety of workshops and talks. This year’s keynote speaker is director and producer Trent Burton, co-founder of The Cosmic Shambles Network.
The conference is free and open to all, taking place at The Institute of Physics in London.
Royal Society unveils portrait of Sir David Attenborough
To celebrate 40 years of his Fellowship, The Royal Society have revealed a new portrait of Sir David Attenborough. Painted by Jonathan Yeo, who recently released a portrait of King Charles III, the piece honours Sir David’s brilliant career in public engagement.
Professor Edith Heard appointed new director and CEO of the Crick
The Francis Crick Institute has appointed Professor Edith Heard as its new Director and Chief Executive. Professor Heard, who has led the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) since 2019, is expected to take up the post in 2025.
She succeeds the Crick’s founding Director and Chief Executive, Sir Paul Nurse, who will continue to maintain a laboratory at the institute.
Winners of The Big Bang Competition 2024 announced
The Big Bang Competition is free, and open to young people in the UK aged 11 to 18 in state-funded secondary education, who are home educated or part of a community group.
Winners across categories including UK Young Scientist of the Year and UK Young Engineer of the Year, received their awards at The Big Bang Fair in Birmingham.
News from the STEM sector
Dr Sarah Bearchell announced as BIG STEM Beetlestone award winner
Science writer and presenter Dr Sarah Bearchell has been awarded this year’s Beetlestone Award. Presented by BIG, the award recognises leadership and legacy in the field of informal science learning. Sarah will be presented with her award at The BIG Event in Cardiff on the 25th July.
FREE resources and online event from the Making Spaces project
25th July, 2pm - 3.30pm
The Making Spaces project aims to support inclusive practice in makerspaces, and improve diverse young people’s engagement in STEM. As part of the project, they have produced a guidebook and accompanying online interactive professional development course for the informal STEM engagement sector.
Making Spaces are also hosting an online event on 25th July with practical tips on how to make your educational spaces, and professional practice, more equitable, inclusive and enjoyable for all.
Taskmaster Education joins forces with Kids Invent Stuff
From the brains behind the popular Channel 4 series Taskmaster, Taskmaster Club is an interactive set of challenges for children that can be run by schools, home educators, or other groups. Using creative tasks, the sessions aim to build participants’ problem-solving,? reasoning,?teamwork,?and resilience.
Taskmaster Education have now teamed up with Kids Invent Stuff to offer one lucky Taskmaster Club member the opportunity to see their invention brought to life.
Ecsite network updates - including Directors Forum in Bristol
21st & 22nd November
The Ecsite - European network of science centres and museums Annual Conference in Ljubljana saw several exciting updates from the network. A new Board of Directors was announced, as were the winners of the Mariano Gago Ecsite Awards.
In addition, the Ecsite Directors Forum will be hosted in Bristol at We The Curious . All senior managers of Ecsite member organisations are welcome.
Science Writer and Presenter
7 个月Thanks for the mention ?? Winning The Beetlestone Award is a huge honour. I'm sure there are lots of ASDC members who should consider it next year!