Reflect. Adapt. Thrive.
National Science and Media Museum, Bradford
9-10th September 2025
The ASDC Conference brought together delegates from the UK’s major science engagement organisations to play a strategic role in the nation’s engagement with science. Working in collaboration with people from these key organisations, the conference programme of talks, workshops, networking sessions and discussions explored what’s on the horizon for the sector right now, over the next 5 years and longer term over 25 years.
A quarter of a century of impact, a future of infinite possibilities. ASDC25 celebrated 25 years of national impact with many of the 'millennium science centres' celebrating 25th anniversaries in 2025. The conference kicked off a visionary look forward with many of the most influential people in science and cultural engagement, hosted by the team at the newly reopened National Science and Media Museum in Bradford.
Delegates joined powerful conversations that ask the big questions: What must we change? What should we protect? What do future audiences need from us? With many opportunities to meet peers, pioneers and change-makers from around the UK. ASDC25 brought together a national network ready to share ideas and scale impact.
Live from the Science and Media Museum, Bradford - a city of stories and innovation. Everyone enjoyed exploring the UK’s only museum dedicated to exploring the intersection of science, media and culture with brand new immersive installations. Delegates were encouraged to stay and explore the city and the amazing programme of events as part of the City of Culture 2025.
Summary of the programme:
Day One (Tuesday 9th September) set the tone with the ASDC AGM, an uplifting keynote speech from Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director of City of Culture 2025 offering “A Different Lens,” and 16 collaborative discussion tables led by Bridget Holligan. The evening shifted into celebration with a drinks reception in the Wonderlab, a unique “audio time capsule” inviting delegates to share their vision for the future and a delicious vegetarian dinner topped off with a game of science centre bingo!
Day Two (Wednesday 10th September) expanded into a full programme of keynotes, sessions and workshops across the National Science and Media Museum. Nicola Cook, Director of Development at the BBC Studios Science Unit, opened with Bringing Science to the Screen, followed by parallel sessions tackling long-term programming, audience evaluation, and future foresight. Delegates explored inclusive STEM pathways, dramatic storytelling, adult engagement and climate-proofing visitor experiences with workshops offered hands-on strategies for building resilient, future-ready teams.
The lightning talks brought a burst of inspiration: Christopher Whitby, National Science and Media Museum, explored how Bradford can sustain its City of Culture momentum, Nikhil Mistry, Enterprise Fellow, championed giving young people a voice through research, Bethan Ross, Centre for Life, reflected on 25 years of learning from interactive exhibits, and Dr Saud A. Alfaadhel, ilmi science centre, shared mission to ignite curiosity and informal learning for future generations.
The conference closed with a plenary from ASDC Chief Executive Shaaron Leverment and Techniquest CEO Sue Wardle as the host centre for 2026, before delegates toured the National Science and Media Museum.
What was your biggest takeaway from the event?
"How energising it is to be around likeminded people and to hear what excellent things they are up to!"
"I was reminded of just how many incredible and (genuinely) inspiring colleagues I have the privilege of working with as part of the sector and made some great new connections. I particularly enjoyed bonding over shared challenges and feeling and seeing weight lifting from me/peers respectively when we realised we were facing remarkably similar challenges, and it felt great to have chats about how we could support each other. Being with colleagues who ‘just get it’ is so uplifting, motivating and valuable."
"Sense of community within our field"
Reflect, adapt and thrive at #ASDC25
The conference for science engagement professionals from around the UK
With thanks to our event sponsors National Science and Media Museum, UK Space Agency, UK Research & Innovation (UKRI), National Environment Research Council (NERC) and Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).