ASDC 2026: Who cares about science?: Full Schedule

10:00am BST

Day 1: Registration & refreshments

Wednesday October 14, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am BST

Techniquest

Wednesday October 14, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am BST
Techniquest Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff, CF10 5BW

Break

10:45am BST

Welcome

Wednesday October 14, 2026 10:45am - 11:00am BST

Techniquest

Speakers

Through work with ASDC, Ecsite and other international partnerships, Shaaron is known for leading a number of national and international programmes and collaborations that foreground and value equitable and inclusive science engagement practice. She feels lucky to be part of a number... Read More →

Wednesday October 14, 2026 10:45am - 11:00am BST
Techniquest Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff, CF10 5BW

Welcome

11:00am BST

Movement break

Wednesday October 14, 2026 11:00am - 11:10am BST

Techniquest

Wednesday October 14, 2026 11:00am - 11:10am BST
Techniquest Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff, CF10 5BW

Movement break

11:10am BST

Deep dives: Articulating impact

Wednesday October 14, 2026 11:10am - 1:10pm BST

Techniquest

Wednesday October 14, 2026 11:10am - 1:10pm BST
Techniquest Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff, CF10 5BW

Deep dive

11:10am BST

Deep dives: Careers + Skills

Wednesday October 14, 2026 11:10am - 1:10pm BST

Techniquest

Speakers

Clare Davy

Head of Education and Community Outreach, Francis Crick Institute

Clare is Head of Education and Community Outreach at the Francis Crick Institute, a biomedical research institute in central London, with a strategic focus on engaging and inspiring the general public. She leads a team working with schools, charities, the council and a range of... Read More →

Ellie Horner

Education Operations Manager, Francis Crick Institute

Ellie is the Education Operations Manager at the Francis Crick Institute, where she leads on the development and delivery of programmes that create opportunities for young people, including the institute's T-level placement programme. Working closely with the school, their students... Read More →

Wednesday October 14, 2026 11:10am - 1:10pm BST
Techniquest Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff, CF10 5BW

Deep dive

11:10am BST

Deep dives: Climate + Sustainability

Wednesday October 14, 2026 11:10am - 1:10pm BST

Techniquest

Speakers

Chris Dunford

Sustainability and Science Director, We The Curious

Chris has been responsible for Sustainable Futures at We The Curious since 2010. During that time, he has introduced a sector-leading programme of environmental best practice, innovative technologies, and organisational change. In 2019, Chris led We The Curious to become the first... Read More →

Wednesday October 14, 2026 11:10am - 1:10pm BST
Techniquest Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff, CF10 5BW

Deep dive

11:10am BST

Deep dives: Community + Co-creation

Wednesday October 14, 2026 11:10am - 1:10pm BST

Techniquest

Wednesday October 14, 2026 11:10am - 1:10pm BST
Techniquest Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff, CF10 5BW

Deep dive

1:10pm BST

Lunch

Wednesday October 14, 2026 1:10pm - 2:00pm BST

Techniquest

Wednesday October 14, 2026 1:10pm - 2:00pm BST
Techniquest Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff, CF10 5BW

Break

2:00pm BST

Afternoon plenary: Who cares about science?

Wednesday October 14, 2026 2:00pm - 2:30pm BST

Techniquest

Wednesday October 14, 2026 2:00pm - 2:30pm BST
Techniquest Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff, CF10 5BW

Welcome

2:30pm BST

Keynote: UK Government Chief Scientific Advisor

Wednesday October 14, 2026 2:30pm - 3:00pm BST

Techniquest

Speakers

Professor Dame Angela McLean

Government Chief Scientific Adviser

Professor Dame Angela McLean is Government Chief Scientific Adviser and also Head of the Government Science and Engineering Profession. Prior to this Angela was the Chief Scientific Adviser for the Ministry of Defence. Until April 2023, Angela was a Professor of Mathematical Biology... Read More →

Wednesday October 14, 2026 2:30pm - 3:00pm BST
Techniquest Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff, CF10 5BW

Keynote

3:00pm BST

The Marsh ASDC Volunteer Award and Youth Voice Awards

Wednesday October 14, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm BST

Techniquest

Wednesday October 14, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm BST
Techniquest Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff, CF10 5BW

Awards

3:30pm BST

Refreshment break

Wednesday October 14, 2026 3:30pm - 4:00pm BST

Techniquest

Wednesday October 14, 2026 3:30pm - 4:00pm BST
Techniquest Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff, CF10 5BW

Break

4:00pm BST

From funding gap to trust gap: Framing science centres as civic insitutions

Wednesday October 14, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm BST

Techniquest

Speakers

Sarah Dowd

Founder, The Tricolor Collective

Sarah Dowd is a leader in the cultural and visitor attraction sectors, blending strategic expertise with a creative, bohemian approach to learning and experience development. Founder of The Tricolor Collective, Les Raconteurs, and Heritage for All, she has over 25 years’ experience... Read More →

Clarissa Levi

Wedlake Bell, Art & Heritage Counsel

Clarissa Levi is Art & Heritage Counsel at law firm Wedlake Bell. She advises museums, heritage organisations, charities and cultural institutions across the UK. Her practice focuses on the stewardship of collections and heritage assets, helping organisations navigate governance... Read More →

Wednesday October 14, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm BST
Techniquest Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff, CF10 5BW

Session

4:00pm BST

If they don’t care about science, is it their fault or ours?

Wednesday October 14, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm BST

Techniquest

Speakers

Victoria Denoon

Head of W5, W5, The Odyssey Trust

Victoria Denoon is the Head of W5 at The Odyssey Trust, where she leads the strategic development and delivery of all operational, commercial, creative, and guest experience functions at Northern Ireland’s award-winning science and discovery centre. A champion of interdisciplinary... Read More →

Wednesday October 14, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm BST
Techniquest Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff, CF10 5BW

Session

4:00pm BST

Who cares about science shows?

Wednesday October 14, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm BST

Techniquest

Speakers

Wendy Sadler

Founding Director, Science Made Simple

Wendy is the founding Director of Science Made Simple, an award‑winning Science Communication social enterprise working across the UK and internationally. Since 2002, the organisation has reached more than 1.3 million people in over 38 countries. Wendy was awarded an MBE for... Read More →

Elin Roberts

Head of Public Engagement, International Centre for Life

With a passion for science communication, Elin leads a team creating engaging and accessible programmes and activities for visitors to Life Science Centre. Elin has a strong track record in promoting lifelong, playful, curiosity in STEM subjects.

David Price

Science Communicator, Science Made Simple

He is a recipient of the Manchester Science Festival Josh award for outstanding innovation in science communication for his work in developing and popularising science busking techniques. David has gone on to specialise in this hugely mobile and inspirational form of science communication... Read More →

Dr Sarah Bearchell

Science writer and presenter, Freelance

Dr Sarah Bearchell is a freelancer based in Oxfordshire. She writes science shows and activities for herself and others to present, with an emphasis on Inclusive Science which welcomes and works for whoever arrives at an event. This approach won her the 2014 Josh Award and 2024 Beetlestone Award... Read More →

Wednesday October 14, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm BST
Techniquest Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff, CF10 5BW

Session

4:50pm BST

Day 1: Close

Wednesday October 14, 2026 4:50pm - 5:00pm BST

Techniquest

Wednesday October 14, 2026 4:50pm - 5:00pm BST
Techniquest Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff, CF10 5BW

7:00pm BST

Evening drinks reception and dinner at Techniquest

Wednesday October 14, 2026 7:00pm - 9:00pm BST

Techniquest

Wednesday October 14, 2026 7:00pm - 9:00pm BST
Techniquest Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff, CF10 5BW

8:30pm BST

Dinner keynote speaker TBA

Wednesday October 14, 2026 8:30pm - 9:00pm BST

Techniquest

Wednesday October 14, 2026 8:30pm - 9:00pm BST
Techniquest Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff, CF10 5BW

Keynote

9:00am BST

Day 2: Registration & refreshments

Thursday October 15, 2026 9:00am - 9:30am BST

Techniquest

Thursday October 15, 2026 9:00am - 9:30am BST
Techniquest Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff, CF10 5BW

Break

9:30am BST

Welcome to day two

Thursday October 15, 2026 9:30am - 9:45am BST

Techniquest

Thursday October 15, 2026 9:30am - 9:45am BST
Techniquest Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff, CF10 5BW

Welcome

9:45am BST

Keynote: Who cares about space? Challenges and opportunities in the century of change

Thursday October 15, 2026 9:45am - 10:15am BST

Techniquest

Speakers

Professor Anu Ojha OBE

Space Chief Technology Officer, UK Space Agency

Professor Anu Ojha OBE is the UK Space Agency’s first Space Chief Technology Officer, providing strategic leadership across science, engineering, regulation and technology. Previously Director for Championing Space having joined the Civil Service in 2023, he oversaw the UK’s multi-billion... Read More →

Thursday October 15, 2026 9:45am - 10:15am BST
Techniquest Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff, CF10 5BW

Keynote

10:15am BST

Movement break

Thursday October 15, 2026 10:15am - 10:25am BST

Techniquest

Thursday October 15, 2026 10:15am - 10:25am BST
Techniquest Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff, CF10 5BW

Movement break

10:25am BST

Panel debate: Collaboration is bad. We should all go it alone.

Thursday October 15, 2026 10:25am - 11:15am BST

Techniquest

Speakers

Ben Ward

CEO, Wonderseekers

Hollie Church

Regional Head of CSR & Sustainability – EMEA & Latam America, Illumina

Hollie leads CR and Sustainability across Europe for Illumina, a global genomics and precision health company. She is passionate about connecting STEM with social impact and advancing equitable access to science and education with a focus on genomics. She is also the founder... Read More →

Thursday October 15, 2026 10:25am - 11:15am BST
Techniquest Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff, CF10 5BW

Session

10:25am BST

Queering science engagement

Thursday October 15, 2026 10:25am - 11:15am BST

Techniquest

Speakers

Sarah Cosgriff

Science communicator and public engagement trainer, Freelance

Sarah Cosgriff (she/they) is an award-winning freelance science communicator and public engagement trainer with a background in working with young people, schools and communities. They are particularly passionate about LGBTQ+ inclusion in science engagement, and do this through... Read More →

Eve Armstrong

Education Outreach Officer, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Eve is the Education Outreach Officer at the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh. In this role they are responsible for the design and delivery of the outreach programme for school pupils across Scotland. This includes online and in-person workshops with pupils of all ages. They... Read More →

Thursday October 15, 2026 10:25am - 11:15am BST
Techniquest Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff, CF10 5BW

Session

10:25am BST

Who cares about science when no one understands it? Reimagining engagement through animation and XR

Thursday October 15, 2026 10:25am - 11:15am BST

Techniquest

Speakers

Dr Oluwadamilola Okeyoyin

Researcher & Lecturer / Co-Founder, University of the West of England / Keyowa

Dr Oluwadamilola Okeyoyin is a biomedical researcher, lecturer, science communicator and co-founder of Keyowa, a creative sci-health-tech studio exploring immersive and visual approaches to science and health communication. Her work brings together research, community engagement and... Read More →

Thursday October 15, 2026 10:25am - 11:15am BST
Techniquest Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff, CF10 5BW

Session

11:15am BST

Exploration hour

Thursday October 15, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm BST

Techniquest

New for 2026, Exploration Hour gives everyone space to 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.

It's also a great time to take part in this year's collaborative art project, where Valentine Gigandet will curate a large-scale map of the UK exploring who cares about science. Throughout the conference, delegates are 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!

Speakers

Valentine Gigandet

Designer, artist and creative facilitator

Valentine Gigandet is a designer, artist and creative facilitator. Her practice explores visual storytelling and people’s connections to place. Alongside creating her own work, she facilitates workshops, collaborating with organisations, institutions and communities to explore... Read More →

Thursday October 15, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm BST
Techniquest Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff, CF10 5BW

Break

12:15pm BST

Lunch

Thursday October 15, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm BST

Techniquest

Thursday October 15, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm BST
Techniquest Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff, CF10 5BW

Break

1:45pm BST

Lightning talks

Thursday October 15, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm BST

Techniquest

A favourite in the conference programme, the fast-paced lightning talks see speakers present twenty slides with only twenty seconds allowed per slide. More info to come on this year's topics and speakers.

Thursday October 15, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm BST
Techniquest Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff, CF10 5BW

Lightning talks

2:45pm BST

Refreshment break

Thursday October 15, 2026 2:45pm - 3:00pm BST

Techniquest

Thursday October 15, 2026 2:45pm - 3:00pm BST
Techniquest Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff, CF10 5BW

Break

3:00pm BST

Let’s talk about pie (and other kinds of data visualisation)

Thursday October 15, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm BST

Techniquest

Speakers

Rachel Hanson

Head of Marketing and Communications, Techniquest

Bethan Ross

Head of Experience and Audience Research, International Centre for Life

Science Centres and Museums have always featured heavily in Bethan’s life – from hassling her parents to visit her local science centre every summer as a child to working in the industry for over 14 years. She is passionate about the role and impact they can have. Bethan is currently... Read More →

Thursday October 15, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm BST
Techniquest Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff, CF10 5BW

Session

3:00pm BST

Parents care but don’t feel confident: unlocking an audience

Thursday October 15, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm BST

Techniquest

Speakers

Becca Gooch

Head of Research, EngineeringUK

Becca is a researcher with 12 years’ experience researching education, skills, employment, and diversity. She is currently Head of Research at EngineeringUK, a not-for-profit organisation with a mission to enable more young people from all backgrounds to be inspired, informed and... Read More →

Thursday October 15, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm BST
Techniquest Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff, CF10 5BW

Session

3:00pm BST

Who gets to see themselves as a "science person"? Reimagining belonging in science engagement

Thursday October 15, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm BST

Techniquest

Speakers

Devika

Youth Programmes Leader, Oxford University Museum of Natural History

Devika is a public engagement practitioner, researcher and educator working at the intersection of science communication, youth participation, equity and decolonial practice. She is Youth Programmes Leader at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, where she leads national... Read More →

Thursday October 15, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm BST
Techniquest Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff, CF10 5BW

Session

3:50pm BST

Movement break

Thursday October 15, 2026 3:50pm - 4:00pm BST

Techniquest

Thursday October 15, 2026 3:50pm - 4:00pm BST
Techniquest Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff, CF10 5BW

Movement break

4:00pm BST

Future opportunities and closing plenary

Thursday October 15, 2026 4:00pm - 4:30pm BST

Techniquest

Thursday October 15, 2026 4:00pm - 4:30pm BST
Techniquest Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff, CF10 5BW

Welcome

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