Reflect. Adapt. Thrive.
National Science and Media Museum, Bradford
9-10th September 2025
ASDC25 celebrated 25 years of national impact with many of the 'millennium science centres' celebrating 25th anniversaries in 2025. 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 for the sector right now, over the next 5 years and longer term over 25 years.
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.
Lord Vallance, Minister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero shares his vision for the next 25 years of science engagement
"ASDC 2025: The Next 25 years reflecting on all we have achieved, our adaptability and collective strength, and visioning the role we must play as the UK's STEM engagement infrastructure for the next 25 years.
Shaaron Leverment, ASDC Chief Executive
For me, there resonated themes of creativity and arts/media collaboration, the power of reflection within challenging times, and the pivotal importance of human connection. Both soul-restoring and energising as always to be in this space with 150+ people, so purpose driven by the power of science for social good."
Conference overview
Day One (Tuesday 9th September) started in Fountains Church with the ASDC AGM, followed by an uplifting keynote speech from Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director of City of Culture 2025 offering A Different Lens which celebrated science and culture with bold and vibrant stories from an amazing year in Bradford. Next it was time for an ASDC conference favourite with 16 collaborative discussion tables on a wide range of topics from Using AI as a business tool and its environmental impacts to Open Air, Open Minds - Designing Impactful Outdoor Learning at your Science Centre chaired by ASDC trustee Bridget Holligan. The evening shifted into celebration with a drinks reception in the Wonderlab inside the National Science and Media Museum, 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. The morning started with a video from Lord Vallance, Minister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) talking about the future of science and the importance of the work going on across the science engagement sector. Keynote speaker Nicola Cook, Director of Development at the BBC Studios Science Unit, shared her insights into changing audiences and the latest content developments 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.
Thank you to everyone who came and made the event such a huge success.
Just some of the feedback from delegates answering the question '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!"
"That we are part of a wonderfully supportive network, where everyone is welcoming and happy to share their experiences. It was happiest conference I've ever been 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"
With thanks to our event sponsors National Science and Media Museum, UK Space Agency, UK Research & Innovation (UKRI), National Environment Research Council (NERC, part of UKRI) and Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC, part of UKRI).
Reflect, adapt and thrive at #ASDC25
The conference for science engagement professionals from around the UK