ASDC Conference 2024 highlights and take aways

The ASDC Conference 2024 was a clarion call for change, actively encouraging over 240 delegates to rethink the future of science engagement. With its bold focus on inclusivity, collaboration, and societal impact, the event underscored that science cannot remain isolated—it must be fully embedded in society to drive real progress. As the conversations moved from reflection to action, it became clear that science and discovery centres and museums are not just places of learning, but powerful catalysts for social change. The challenge is now clear: to disrupt the status quo, embrace diversity, and break down artificial silos that prevent science being part of culture. The energy and commitment from this year's conference have set the stage for a transformative future—one where science truly belongs to everyone.

Overview in numbers

• 4 keynote speakers: Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, Chief Executive of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), Chi Onwurah MP for Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West, Chair of the Science and Technology Committee and advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM, Professor Tom Crick MBE, Chief Scientific Adviser, DCMS and Caroline Hickman, Climate Psychotherapist
• 35 sessions
• 3 sessions included young people and school pupils as part of a keynote, panel or workshop
• 2 ASDC awards; The Volunteer of the Year Award and new Youth Voice Award, sponsored by The Marsh Trust
• A live visual recording creating 2 giant graphics to capture key messages from the event
• A 50-minute live recording of Skip the Q podcast with a panel of 4 CEOs from the sector
• 240 printed copies shared of the new ASDC Valuing Inclusion Theory of Change: “breaking down barriers and opening pathways to opportunity”
• 100 speakers and session leaders across 2 days

Key reflections and insights

Promoting inclusivity and accessibility in STEM

“Diversity is not a tick box exercise, it is an economic imperative” Chi Onwurah MP

A central focus of the conference was the importance of making science accessible to everyone. Keynote speakers, including Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser and Chi Onwurah MP, stressed the urgency to break down barriers between science and society, emphasizing the need for science to be embedded in society. Both speakers highlighted the critical role of diversity in STEM and the transformative power of science and discovery centres.

The theme of equity and inclusivity was echoed throughout, with many delegates discussing the importance of creating safe spaces that are community assets, accessible to people from all backgrounds, abilities and identities.

Key takeaways:

• Diverse perspectives in STEM are an essential for our future.
• The science community must actively engage with marginalised and minoritised communities and work harder to promote equity and break down persistent science stereotypes.
• Science education and public engagement are vital in overcoming societal challenges.

Disrupting traditional approaches

ASDC’s Chief Executive Shaaron Leverment called for delegates to be a “STEM force for societal good” encouraging a disruption of established practices. This included innovative approaches such as reverse mentoring, youth ambassador programs, and the use of creative methods like role-playing to engage audiences more effectively. These messages were also highlighted in the session Citizens for the future: Exploring mindsets, missions and opportunities where panellists discussed the potential for science and discovery centres and museums to tackle difficult or uncomfortable topics, drive new research agendas that matter to our local communities, and become citizen assemblies to host collective debates on issues of concern in our regions.

Key takeaways:

• The power to be collectively brave and embrace different and transformative methods of working.
• Science and discovery centres and museums as trusted civic spaces.
• Current leaders in science and education must listen and act on the lessons from younger generations and diverse communities, and our organisations can add platform and voice for this to happen.

Building connections between research and the public

“When you talk to the public, sometimes you get difficult answers” Professor Tom Crick

There was a strong emphasis on bridging the gap between researchers, industry professionals, and the public. Delegates shared insights from their experiences, stressing the need for collaboration and the role of science centres in facilitating public engagement with research. This highlighted the importance of making partnerships more equitable and recognised the value of co-working with young people, academics, and scientists.

These messages were highlighted in Tom Crick’s keynote speech Science and Culture and the sessions on Unleashing the power of the science centre to shift the direction of research and Informally formal: How science centres collaborate effectively with formal and higher learning organisations and researchers imagining how we can work together to make research that is more diverse and representative of more people, as well as changing the outlook for collaborative working across academia and informal science organisations.

Key takeaways:

• Engaging with the public should have two-way benefits and impacts.
• Science engagement should continue to involve communities in co-creation and decision-making processes, sharing the outcomes with the sector to facilitate shared learning. The work is not done until it is communicated.
• A culture shift is still needed to make public engagement an integral part of scientific work.

Focus on climate change and sustainability

The final keynote of the conference was delivered by climate psychologist Caroline Hickman, Understanding climate anxiety through children’s eyes with a panel including two young climate change activists, chaired by the CEO of Scotland’s science centre Dynamic Earth.

Break out discussions centred on how science centres and museums communicate climate change to visitors, are what they’re doing to become more environmentally sustainable as organisations. The Scottish Seabird Centre shared insights on how emotional connections to nature are driving scientific engagement, Cool Food Pro emphasized the role of science and discovery centres in promoting sustainable catering practices and We The Curious looked in-depth at procurement and the collective power our organisations have to influence fair and sustainable procurement chains. Opportunities for equitable youth engagement and youth-led formats were platformed across this theme, including a Model Youth COP format implemented by Kew Gardens, and delegates also hearing how the Field Studies Council are overcoming barriers to online environmental learning for young and neurodiverse audiences.

Key takeaways:

• Climate and biodiversity crisis can be overwhelming, eco-anxiety and grief is a normal response, it should never be dismissed.
• Sustainability has to be integrated into operational practice and educational content to maintain authenticity.
• 25% rule – the social tipping point for decision making - if you’ve got 25% of the room on your side, then you can get the whole room to agree with you.
• Be brave and ask the hard questions to champion sustainability.

Strengthening the science centre sector

A central theme throughout the conference was the role of science centres as cultural assets. Many speakers highlighted how these centres are essential in nurturing curiosity and promoting public understanding of science. The conference also underscored the importance of building networks and collaborations within the sector, with delegates noting the value of connections made at the event.

Key takeaways:

• Science as a shared cultural endeavour – why isn’t the charitable work of science and discovery centres centrally funded? And what happens when the 25-year lifespan of Millennium centres is up?
• Science and discovery centres hold responsibility in shaping public engagement and understanding of complex issues that matter such as climate change, AI and health and wellbeing.
• Collaborative efforts within the sector are key to amplifying the widespread impacts for individuals and society of science engagement.

Looking Ahead

The conference inspired many delegates to reflect on their own practices and consider new ways to engage their audiences. Some key areas for future exploration include:

• Developing youth ambassador programs and work experience opportunities.
• Exploring reverse mentoring and inclusive leadership practices.
• Creating spaces that nurture STEM identities and engaged citizenship.

With thanks to everyone who came and made the biggest ASDC Conference yet a huge success, and to our sponsors: STFC, UK Space Agency, UKRI and the Royal Society for funding and supporting this pivotal event for the Informal Science Engagement network.