Dr Gillian Lang

Deputy Director of Science, Glasgow Science Centre

I have been involved in public engagement with science professionally for the last 16 years. I have a background in physics and spent 5 years researching physics for biomedical applications before joining Glasgow Science Centre. I have worked in a variety of roles throughout the organisation and have experience in operations, education and public programmes, fundraising, relationship management and exhibition development.

I am currently fortunate to be part of the creative team responsible for the development and delivery of GSC's major new exhibit development projects such as BodyWorks and Powering the Future as well as the maintenance and refresh of the current visitor experience. In addition I have responsibility for a number of key strategic partnerships to help develop GSC as a national resource and a hub for science communication such as Skills Development Scotland, RSC and Coder Dojo.

Manifesto

Our ASDC member organisations face a shared dilemma. We are visitor attractions, educational establishments, businesses and charities, with each identity bringing associated and sometimes conflicting challenges. Our stakeholders come from industry, academia, the government and, importantly, the public. Our job at ASDC must be to showcase our successes, prepare the ground for future developments and act as persuaders with our stakeholders, demonstrating the enormous impact of our collective effort on the economy, on science and for the benefit of society. On a practical level, I would like to see ASDC further promote collaborative networks to encourage pooling and sharing of resources and experience more effectively.