Empowering engagement with research and innovation
Mindsets + Missions (M+M) is a pilot learning and grants programme funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) designed to support museums and science centres to engage underrepresented groups with knowledge, research and innovation.
Launching in early 2023, the first phase saw a cohort of 45 applicants from around the UK come together through an online and in person learning programme. Museum and science centre sector members – along with independent practitioners, academics and community representatives – explored the central tenets of the programme, developed partnerships and collaborations, and enhanced their practice and approach to research and innovation engagement.
Read the learning insights report from The Liminal Space to find out more about the learning programme and its key reflections and recommendations.
"Having worked with the grantees on the Mindsets + Missions learning programme, we’re really excited to see these original new voices deliver an incredible diversity of brave and bold projects. We’re certain their work will inspire others within the museums and science centre sectors to embed positive change."
Sarah Douglas, founding director, The Liminal Space
In July 2023, the next phase of M+M saw £827,945 of funding awarded to 12 outstanding projects which emerged from the learning programme. Underway until August 2024, these projects are already proving to be successful in exploring creative ways to broaden access to research, foster collaborative partnerships, cultivate culture change within organisations, and champion cross-sectoral knowledge production and learning sharing.
Crucially, participatory, community-driven research is providing the impetus for work which addresses key societal issues and inequalities and is empowering more people to be civic changemakers through engagement with research and innovation.
The bold ideas being realised have the potential to reshape organisational paradigms and the relationships that cultural organisations have with their communities. As case study projects, they will help our museums and science centres to become more equitable and representative.
Map of the UK showing the 12 organisations running the Mindsets + Missions projects, with science centres in blue and museums in green.
“Mindsets + Missions is proving to be a driving force for creating an ever more equitable and socially engaged sector, and we are proud to be supporting these 12 changemaking organisations. All too often research and innovation are seen to be the preserve of a privileged few and I look forward to seeing how the museums in this programme will work with underrepresented communities to support them to develop their own research and innovation agendas.
“It is also our pleasure to deliver this pilot programme in partnership with the Association of Science and Discovery Centres and The Liminal Space, which demonstrates the exciting possibilities and deep learning that can come from cross-sectoral collaborations.”
Sharon Heal, director, Museums Association
Mindsets + Missions is funded by UKRI in partnership with the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). In partnership with the Museums Association, the programme is being delivered by the Association of Science and Discovery Centres (ASDC) and The Liminal Space.
M+M builds on a rich foundation of research and experience: the Mindsets for Museums of the Future report; Science and Discovery Centre Futures: Missions and Opportunities report; the Bold Futures programme; Inspiring Science Fund; Museums Change Lives; Digital Innovation and Engagement grants across museums and science centres; Explore Your Universe; and more.
