Candidates for election as Trustees

We are delighted to announce that the following candidates were appointed to the ASDC board on 15 September 2011:

Their manifesto's can be read below:

Candidates statements

Phil Winfield

Director, Intech Science Centre & Planetarium

I 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 practical knowledge of the skills needs of industry.

My second career started 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.

What I bring to the committee

Manifesto

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Kenny Webster

Informal Learning Manager, Resident Scientist and Duty Manager, Thinktank Science Museum

Biography

As a former post doctoral research biochemist, I am passionate about science. Since moving to Thinktank 7 years ago, I have become even more passionate about engaging visitors with the historical and future relevance of science and its applications. As well as being the Resident Scientist within Thinktank, I also manage the Informal Learning and Access & Inclusion Teams.

What you feel you would bring to the ASDC Board

I bring a strong scientific background and understanding of University research programmes and funding. I also have a lot of experience of working directly with visitors and in particular (as a Thinktank Duty Manager) in managing differences in visitors' expectations and realisations. The visitor experience is and should be the most important driving force within science centres/ museums and anything that we can do to improve this should be at the top of our agenda.

Manifesto

Whilst there are 19 million visits to ASDC member organisations per annum, there is still a lot of room for growth. We must find ways of working together more efficiently to secure funding as a sector and to improve the quality of what we develop and deliver as a result. There are still major untapped audiences of current 'non-visitors' who do not use our services; for some, lack of disposable income is genuinely a factor, but for many it is an excuse that we accept at face value rather than addressing the real issue of perceived value in science centres and museums. As the Research Excellence Framework within Universities becomes more of a focal point for academics, their need to work with the public engagement sector will become more significant and the subsequent evidencing of 'impact' by them and ourselves needs to be demonstrated in a clear and coherent manner. These challenges are not insurmountable, but do require vision and cooperation between ASDC organisations.

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John Ellison

Head of Education Strategy Eden Project

Biography

Research:- Applied medical and biological research, (cancer, fertility); Formal learning sector:- science teaching across wide range of schools and locations from urban to rural, from high achievers to challenging young people. Non Formal sector:- 10 years Royal Botanic Gardens Kew's Education Officer & manager developing teams and delivering programmes ; Eden Project since 2004, currently Head of Education Strategy . Extensive experience of structured learning and free learning across both built and natural environments, developing and implementing education strategy for Eden Project as a social enterprise.

What could I contribute to the ASDC board

Manifesto

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