For the first time in ASDC's history, the UK’s science and discovery community will be coming together for the National Conference in Wales. Join delegates from across the UK from 14th-15th October at Techniquest in Cardiff (this year celebrating its 40th anniversary!). This unique event is a chance to help shape the future of STEM education and outreach, build new partnerships and showcase how science and discovery centres, museums and outreach organisations drive social impact on a national scale.
Meet our 2026 keynote speakers
We’re happy to announce three keynote speakers who will each bring a very different perspective on this year’s theme.
The conference opens with Professor Dame Angela McLean, Government Chief Scientific Adviser, exploring Who cares about science? Angela will also take questions from delegates as part of her keynote.
On day two, Professor Anu Ojha OBE, UK Space Agency’s first Space Chief Technology Officer, takes on Who cares about space? He will discuss how space science, research and innovation align with deeply held cares, concerns and public attitudes, and the essential role our sector plays at the heart of these conversations.
Our final keynote of the conference will come from Dr Gosia Goclowska, Senior Lecturer in Social Psychology at the University of Bath. She will explore how people feel about science, looking at epistemic emotions and the relationship between emotions and attitudes towards science.
What's happening at ASDC26? Let's explore the programme...
Newbie welcome drinks - Evening of 13th October, venue TBC
Will this be your first ASDC Conference? Newbies are invited to join the ASDC team and trustees the evening before the main event kicks off for drinks and an informal welcome. It’s a chance to meet other first-timers, ask questions, find out what to expect and start planning your two days.
Two days of ideas, debate and connection - 14-15th October
Day one
We’ll welcome delegates to Techniquest from 10am on Wednesday 14th October for networking and refreshments, ahead of the opening welcome at 10.45am.
The morning gets straight into some of the sector’s big questions with four Deep Dive sessions focusing on:
- Community + Co-creation
- Careers + Skills
- Articulating Impact
- Climate + Sustainability
This year these longer sessions replace the discussion tables, giving delegates more time to get beneath the surface of issues shaping public engagement in science.
In the afternoon, we’ll hear directly from a group of local young people studying science at GCSE and A-level as they give us an insight into what they care about. Professor Dame Angela McLean will then take to the stage for her keynote and delegate Q&A.
After a short break, delegates will choose from three further sessions, which can be viewed on our digital programme linked below.
Then it’s time to head off, check into your hotel, freshen up and get ready for the evening, with drinks, dinner and a line-up of entertainment.
Day two
We start with the provocation Who cares about space? as Professor Anu Ojha shares his perspective on the future of public engagement with space. Delegates can then choose from a programme of sessions led by science engagement professionals from across the network.
New for 2026 is Exploration Hour, giving everyone space to take part in the collaborative art project, wander on a guided wetland walk, meet our exhibitors, catch up with colleagues, network with new ones, or try out Techniquest’s exhibits.
In the afternoon, Dr Gosia Goclowska will share her research with Cambridge Science Centre on the connection between emotions and attitudes towards science. Then it’s over to our Lightning Talks, followed by the final sessions, closing plenary and a look ahead to ASDC27.
This programme is an outline - more details, including full descriptions of each session, are being updated every day. Keep an eye out for updates on the link above, in your inbox and on our socials.
Note: Timings are subject to change
The Marsh Trust Volunteer Awards
This year we’ll be celebrating the outstanding volunteers from across the ASDC network. The Marsh Trust Volunteer Awards will be presented by our award sponsors, Marsh Charitable Trust, as part of the daytime programme. Everyone will have the chance to hear from the winners and celebrate the contribution volunteers make across our sector.
Who cares about science? Let’s map it.
It’s becoming something of an ASDC Conference tradition that delegates get to be creative together. This year, artist Valentine Gigandet will curate a large-scale map of the UK exploring who cares about science.
Delegates will be invited to create bespoke pins representing the people and communities in their local area. By adding them to the map, we will build up a nationwide picture of who cares about science. No artistic skills required!
Science book swap - new for 2026!
Got a science book you’ve finished and would like to pass on? Bring it to the conference! From Lessons in Chemistry to a Beginner’s Guide to Astronomy, the science book swap is open to fiction and non-fiction. Bring a book, browse the table and take something new home.
Buy your tickets
We look forward to welcoming people from across the science communication network to our conference. If you’re a STEM education specialist, researcher, industry leader, funder, innovator, or someone else who is passionate about public engagement with science, join us!
Explore ticket options, including a discounted ‘group ticket’
Thanks to our generous sponsors there are a number of bursaries available for those who would like to attend but need financial support to do so. Although bursaries are limited and competitive, we encourage anyone who is in need of one to apply.
Use the links below to find out who's exhibiting, where to stay and finding your way around the venue with our accessibility and inclusion guide: