Laurence Butler

Museum Manager, Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum

I have been based at Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum since 2005 and have held various roles in different teams including front of house, learning and engagement, outreach and I am now managing Thinktank’s visitor operation as well as the museum operations. Thinktank is part of Birmingham Museums Trust which looks after 9 sites around the city, this has given me experience working with teams who specialise in heritage, art, history as well STEM topics. My own achievements include leading the learning aims of the ISF funded MiniBrum project to create a coproduced interactive under 8’s gallery, establishing and delivering teen engagement opportunities across the trust in partnership with academic researchers and planning and implementing the safe reopening of Thinktank following Covid.

Manifesto

I have worked with ASDC for many years and have found the knowledge and support on offer invaluable in helping both Thinktank grow as an organisation and with my own career progression. I want to champion the use of working with a variety of organisations including those traditional to the STEM field and those that might be more associated with arts, heritage, and culture. I have experience of working in coproduction with a variety of audiences. Coproduction benefits all organisations and enables new ideas to be shared and worked on and allows audiences to have ownership and a voice in what is being produced. I have worked with young people for all my adult life and the energy and enthusiasm they bring to all challenges is what helps me both plan and deliver programs and projects. By working with everyone and hearing new ideas I can help ASDC both thrive and offer the support I have received to all members both on an individual basis or as organisations delivering STEM programs.