ASDC National Conference 2021: Sustainable Futures
The ASDC Conference 2021 was a virtual event, from 24-25th November, focusing on opportunities to explore how our agile charitable organisations, based in over 50 cities and regions across the UK, could rebuild after the COVID-19 pandemic and adapt for a more sustainable future.
The two-day virtual event focused on Sustainable Futures, covering three sub-themes;
Sustainable Futures: Resilience reflecting on the lessons we have learnt and looking to the future of science centres and museums.
Sustainable Futures: Diversity how our sector reaches towards greater diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.
Sustainable Futures: Environment the outcomes of COP26 and our next steps together as a sector.
Speakers included:
- Dr Stephen Breslin, Chief Executive, Glasgow Science Centre & Chairman of ASDC
- Dr Ben Spencer, MP, UK Government
- Hannah Lacey, Senior Public Engagement Programme Manager, NERC (UKRI)
- Katherine Mathieson, Chief Executive, British Science Association
- Gill Riches, Director of Programmes, British Science Association
- Kris de Meyer, Neuroscientist, Director at UCL Climate Action Unit
- Jen DeWitt, Senior Research Fellow, UCL
- Savita Wilmott, Chief Executive, The Natural History Consortium
- Angela Saini, award-winning British science journalist and broadcaster
- Dr Emily Dawson, Associate Professor, Department of Science and Technology Studies (STS), UCL
- Caroline Hickman, Psychotherapist & Lecturer, Universtiy of Bath
- Bernard Donoghue, Director of The Association of Leading Visitor Attractions
- Lenna Cumberbatch, Diversity & Inclusion Strategist
- Dr Olivia Jones, STFC Webb Fellow, Royal Observatory Edinburgh
- Alexis Mannion, Public Engagement Lead, UKRI
View the full list of speakers and the programme here.
The online event included thought-provoking speakers, inspiring keynotes, specialist meetings and focused discussions to participate in. Delegates enjoyed time online together to learn about new approaches and ideas from our sector and beyond, meeting new colleagues and re-connecting with old, reflecting on ambitions we share to inspire learning for the future.