The ASDC national conference is a unique event that will bring together our science and discovery centres and museums, national partners, networks, policy makers and colleagues across the sphere of science engagement to engage with our collaborative potential for a diverse, flourishing and fairer science future.
Delegates include CEOs, senior managers, project leaders and heads of departments in science and discovery centres and museums, eco-attractions and university and research-led public engagement departments and venues.
Every year the conference is hosted by a science centre, discovery centre or museum from the ASDC membership, showcasing the diverse organisations within the network. With an overarching theme, the conference programme includes keynote speakers, panel presentations and workshops addressing the latest challenges and opportunities for the sector.
This key annual event provides the time and space for delegates to discuss topics such as sustainability and the climate crisis, financial stability and resilience, diversity, equity and artificial intelligence and individual issues or challenges. Delegates value this time together to make new connections, collaborate, share ideas and inspiring practice and discuss the collective purpose that guides us in our mission for a society where science is accessible, inclusive, and valued as a fundamental part of everyday life.
The dates for the 2024 conference have now been confirmed, and we're pleased to announce the event will be at the Royal Society in London on Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th November. The theme for this year is ‘Shaping the future of science together’. Early bird tickets will be going on sale in April.
If your organisation is interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at the conference please get in touch.
A snapshot of the 2023 Conference at W5 Science and Discovery Centre in Belfast. Photo credit: Phil Magowen - BNL productions
“The entire conference was such an enriching and valuable opportunity. The programme offered something for everyone; spaces to learn, spaces to challenge, spaces of support, spaces to feel inspired and crucially spaces to feel united as a sector with colleagues and peers from across the UK.”
“I'm part of an incredible sector its a total privilege to be in and the conference made me feel re-energised and ready to take on challenges back at my own centre/in the day job!”
“...the sector has a huge amount of overlapping priorities and challenges and we are all in it together. We work in a sector where there are a lot of people who give a lot of themselves into their work and it can be exhausting - but coming together with other practitioners is very rejuvenating!”
Feedback from delegates from the 2023 conference