Candidates for election as Trustees

On this page:
List of candidates
Candidates' statements

In April 2009 Ecsite-uk became an independent legal entity under the name ASDC. Since April 2009 (as before) the organisation has been steered by the elected committee for Ecsite-uk with the Chairman and Treasurer as the two Directors.

As we begin our new operations under the banner of ASDC, our committee members have chosen to all stand for re-election as Trustees of the ASDC Board.

Thus, at our AGM on September 10th 2009 we will ask our members to elect 12 Trustees to the ASDC Board, one of whom is our chairman Dr Nick Winterbotham.

All members of the current committee are standing for re-election to the board for periods between 1 and 3 years. This will set up a system whereby a third of the Board retires each year. Their names and manifestos are below.

We invite nominations for election to the Board of Trustees from other members, please contact the Chairman Nick Winterbotham.

List of candidates

Candidate list as PDF file

The candidates standing for election to the ASDC Board are:

Candidates' statements

Dr Nick Winterbotham

CEO, Thinktank, Birmingham’s Science Museum

I joined Thinktank four years ago and became Chairman of Ecsite-UK in 2007.

I’m committed to making an ever more powerful case for our national framework of science centres and museums in the UK.

Perceptions of ASDC’s worth reside in the great number of memberships we already enjoy, the strategic benefits we offer and the consensus on learning and science that we all represent.

The Government, Wellcome and the Museums Association already recognise in us an alliance that they wish to engage, promote and work with. My job will be to make sure that whenever there opportunities emerge for project funding, core funding or concept piloting that we are leading the charge.

We have made huge strides in the last year – opening our own office and setting ASDC up as a company and as a charity. I am now looking forward to enabling this dynamic new organisation to change up a gear and to be seen for the powerhouse of science, learning and professionalism that we are.

Vicky Brightman

Head of Learning, Horniman Museum and Gardens

At the Horniman Museum I co-ordinate a broad offer to our diverse local audiences, using the natural history and world culture collections, our aquarium and animal enclosure, the library/archive, and special exhibitions in the gardens.

Previously I have occupied roles in learning, exhibition and audience development at the following ASDC member organisations: Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum, The National Space Centre, Explore-at-Bristol and Techniquest.

What I bring

Manifesto

Goéry Delacôte

Executive director of At-Bristol

I have over 20 years of experience in the field of science centres including starting La Cite des Sciences in Paris, heading the Exploratorium for 15 years in San-Francisco, founding and chairing the Exploradome in Paris on the model of the Exploratorium, former chairman of the board of the Palais de la decouverte in Paris and heading At -Bristol for the last 4 years.

I believe that we have to prioritise 2 kind of actions in UK:

The main vehicle to achieve those goals is to be an active participant in the newly created Association of science and discovery centres. On our own, we are sure to lose in a context which is very difficult and with a government which does not want to listen.

Together we may have a chance to win.

Dr Anne Finnie

Biography
Degree in physiology/biochemistry and PhD in endocrinology. After four years in medical pharmacology I soon realised my passion was for science and learning outside the lab/classroom. Recent history includes four years with At-Bristol, latterly as their Director for Exhibitions and Programmes and five years with the National Trust as their Director of Community, Learning and Volunteering. I recently chose to work from home on projects to allow me to better balance work and family life.

What you feel you would bring to the ASDC Board
I would bring understanding of working across complex, multi-site organisations; shaping policy from practice; expertise in engagement through learning, volunteering and community engagement; and a personal passion for nature and the environment.

Your manifesto
Conservation, whether heritage or environmental, is grounded in science. I would use this position to help develop more places - including heritage sites - as venues for engagement with science, in real places with real people; and to harness the power of human interest stories, past and present, to hook people into science. Conservation is about managing change, and the impact of climate change on the natural and built places in our care is a live issue. So there is a huge opportunity for science and heritage sectors to work better together to engage people with the challenges we face daily, and to work closer with partners like the Research Councils to do this. I would always champion approaches that are open, inclusive, involving and based on mutual benefit.

Sean Gaffaney

Originally from New Zealand, I have been working in the science communication sector since graduating from university as an engineer seventeen years ago. My work history spans four continents, which gives me a global perspective on the issues facing the sector in the UK at the moment.

This is a particularly challenging time with recession and economic woes the major stories. I think it is important however not to lose the bigger picture- that what our sector does is prepare people for a new and exciting future- and as such needs to be seen in that bigger context. I have been a member of the executive committee of Ecsite-UK for the past two years and have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the transition to become ASDC. If elected I will continue to push for clearer membership benefits, greater advocacy within and without government and an even greater sense of mission- namely that our work is vital to the future of the nation and deserves to be rewarded.

Ian Griffin

CEO The Oxford Trust

Biography: I am CEO of The Oxford Trust, which operates the 'Science Oxford' science centre. After finishing a PhD in astronomy in 1990 I have served in a number of roles including; Director of the Armagh Planetarium, Director BCC Observatory & Planetarium in Florida, CEO Auckland Observatory in New Zealand, Head of Education and Outreach for NASA's Hubble Telescope Programme and Director of MOSI in Manchester. I am an ASTC Noyce Fellow for 2009/10, serve on the Boards of the Oxfordshire Economic Partnership, Venturefest Oxford and am a Trustee of the Oxfordshire Science Festival. I was also involved in the establishment of the Manchester Science Festival in 2007.

What I bring: Enthusiasm, and a knowledge of and a passion for science. Two decades international experience managing science centres, museums and planetariums together with knowledge of working with local, regional and national government.

Manifesto: The UK's future depends upon creating a generation of educated, literate and numerate citizens who will make discoveries, build businesses or become the workers that drive our economy. As shop windows for science, and as trusted centres of informal learning, ASDC members are the public's first port of call for science information, giving us unique opportunities to engage and inspire our fellow citizens to take a lifelong interest in science.  I believe that ASDC should continue to make connections between public, researchers, educators, high tech business and policy makers, and amplify these connections via our powerful national network. With millions of visitors each year, ASDC members play a key role in inspiring our society to face and solve the challenges of the 21st century.

If elected I will work with other Trustees to ensure that this important role is recognized and appropriately funded.

Judith Harvey

W5, Belfast

After studying chemistry at Queen’s University Belfast, I worked for ten years in the international pharmaceutical industry, before joining W5 in 2003 where my breadth of experience has been used to develop and strengthen the business model. In addition to overall responsibility for the Education Team, my key roles include securing funding for W5 through sponsorship and funded programmes, maximizing income and commercial revenue, and developing, though more importantly delivering, the organisation’s business strategy.

Relevant Experience:

What could I bring to ASDC?

Manifesto

As an effective and productive network, ASDC needs to work to develop strategic partnerships to ensure that Science and Discovery Centres achieve their potential of becoming the key providers of science engagement activities for the public across the UK. Key focus areas are:

Dr Robin Holgate

Head of Interpretation and Learning, Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI), Manchester

Previously Director of Luton Museum service, I joined MOSI in 2000. I have been involved with the development of our interactive gallery – Xperiment! (opened in 2001) – and the Manchester Science Gallery (opened 2004) and leading the development and delivery of STEM learning (both formal and informal) programmes. I work in partnership with industries and universities in our region to co-ordinate the annual Manchester Science Festival. I have presented at the MA and Ecsite conferences on the Museum’s public engagement with science programmes.

I have experience of fundraising and developing regional partnerships to deliver broad-based science programmes for a range of audiences.

Science centres and museums are uniquely placed to improve overall levels of science literacy and to inspire young people to consider pursuing a career in science and engineering – vital to the future of our economy. We need to seek ways of raising the science centre network profile through developing regional and national partnerships which will increase the impact we have in engaging people in science and enable us to maximise our ability to advocate to the government departments concerned with children, industry and skills for the resources to sustain science centres.

Dr Robin Hoyle

Director of Science, Glasgow Science Centre

Robin became involved in science communication activity during his research posts in Manchester, Dublin and Glasgow before joining GSC in 2000.
His personal development at GSC has seen him move from frontline deliverer, through programme and exhibition development to strategic planning and implementation.
Robin leads a strong creative team of scientists and educationalists that aims to inspire, challenge and engage all learners in science.

What could I bring to ASDC?

Manifesto

Science and discovery centres have the potential to become key hubs of science engagement activity across the UK.
This is an exciting time with external factors, such as the recently realised DIUS paper ‘A Vision for Science and Society’, offering a range of significant opportunities.
As a network we need to act collectively to establish a clear strategic framework that:

Heather Mayfield

Head of Content, the Science Museum

I joined the Science Museum over twenty five years ago as a museum assistant in the medical department. Since 1993 I have been leading contemporary science initiatives in the museum including the Wellcome Wing, Dana Centre and most recently Launchpad.

If re-elected to the ASDC Board I would continue to support the work of the committee in moving potential funding opportunities out to member institutions, working on the recognition of our sector as fundamental in learning and cultural agendas and ensuring that the membership have a good value and quality experience from the organisation and its committee.

Leigh-Anne Stradeski

Chief Executive, Eureka! The National Children’s Museumal

I am standing for election to the newly formed ASDC board having been a member of the ECSITE-UK Committee for the past four years. I am the Chief Executive of Eureka! The National Children’s Museum in Halifax, West Yorkshire and have been involved in the discovery centre sector for 15 years both here and in Canada. My current professional voluntary roles include President of Hands-On Europe (European Association of Children’s Museums), board member of the Association of Children’s Museums in Washington, DC and a member of the international Advisory Committee for the National Children’s Museum in DC. I am also a trustee and Chair-Elect of the Community Foundation for Calderdale.

Understanding science in a holistic sense in the context of our everyday lives is essential for the current generation. This is central to our work at Eureka! and a major focus of all science and discovery centres. Since the inception of ECSITE-UK almost 10 years ago, great progress has been made on positioning SDCs as important cultural and scientific resources with an integral role to play in modern society, but much remains to be done. The transition to ASDC presents a new and exciting opportunity to build on past successes and to extend our profile and role encouraging public engagement with science. I am very keen to play an active part on the new board, representing the ASDC membership and helping to make sure science and discovery centres continue to fulfil their vital remit on a national scale.

Peter Trevitt (re-election)

Chief Executive Officer, Techniquest

I am a physicist and exhibit developer with the good fortune to have worked with some of the real innovators in our field. As CEO at Techniquest, I am working with a great team, designing exhibits, developing new forms of outreach, and running a lively and popular centre. Wales provides a unique environment for operating a science centre, and we are able to explore methods of working that would be more difficult elsewhere.

During my time with the board we have come a long way, but there is still much to do. I am keen to achieve more collaboration on national projects which I believe has the potential to open up new income streams and to gain greater credibility for us as a sector. More networking for staff between centres is also important for me, and so is getting input and ideas from organizations who have similar aims to ours. As a pro-European, I am keen to continue to help establish the new ASDC in good and positive relationship with Ecsite.

Phil Winfield

Director, INTECH Science Centre and Planetarium

My first career consisted of 23 years in industrial research and development, product design and development, product management and marketing in radiation cross-linked polymer technology; culminating in the post of European R&D Director for a US multinational. This gives me a detailed understanding of the skills needs of industry and extensive business experience.

My second career started in November 2002 when I became Director of INTECH Science Centre & Planetarium. During my time at INTECH I have become involved in all aspects of the Centre (as you have to if you are in a small or medium Centre!), science communication, exhibit design, workshop development, teacher liaison, fundraising, business and project management. Since 2002 the INTECH team has doubled the number of visitors and installed the largest capacity planetarium in the UK.

I have started the Small & Medium Centres group to encourage networking and sharing between the small and medium sized science centres and to ensure that we have a voice on the ASDC Board.

What I bring to the committee

Manifesto