Aberdeen Science Centre has appointed professor Stephen Logan as chair of its board, ahead of its reopening following a multi-million pound redevelopment.
Professor Logan was chairman of NHS Grampian from 2015 until 2019 and was previously Senior Vice-Principal at the University of Aberdeen, where he has held various positions since 1994.
He was appointed to be the first professor of Neuroscience at the University in 1994, becoming Dean of the Medical School, vice-principal and latterly Senior Vice-Principal of the University.
He retired from the University in 2016 and is currently a director of Opportunity North East (ONE), where he chairs the Life Sciences board.
Professor Logan has also been a board member of the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC), Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Futures (ACSEF), Scottish Enterprise Grampian (SEG) Grampian Universities Hospitals Trust (GUHT) and Aberdeen Sports Village (ASV).
Bryan Snelling, chief executive of Aberdeen Science Centre, warmly welcomed Professor Logan’s appointment.
“This year is an incredibly exciting time for Aberdeen Science Centre and we are pleased to have Professor Logan on board as our new chairperson as we prepare to reopen the centre at the Tramsheds on Constitution Street, following the major redevelopment project,” he said. “We welcome professor Logan’s vast experience, particularly in the fields of education and life sciences, as we unveil the new-look centre, which is fit for the digital age we live in and will enable us to continue to inspire and entertain future generations.”
Aberdeen Science Centre is currently housed in a temporary base at 107 George Street while the work is being carried out, allowing visitors to continue to enjoy interactive exhibits, inspiring activities and topical science events.
Professor Logan said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as chair of the board of Aberdeen Science Centre at this pivotal time in its history, as we are gearing up to move back to Constitution Street and reopen this fantastic facility to the public in the summer. Aberdeen Science Centre has a long history of engaging children and adults alike in the STEM subjects of science, technology, engineering and maths and I am looking forward to all that lies ahead.”
The project will revitalise and transform the centre as well as expand the exhibition and corporate space.
The transformation will include an extension and creation of a new mezzanine floor, more than doubling the exhibition space. The work by Bancon Construction has also exposed the roof structure to allow natural light to flood into the building.
The £4.7m redevelopment is being made possible by support and funding from the inspiring science fund – a partnership between the department for business, energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), UK Research and Innovation and Wellcome – Opportunity North East (ONE) and Aberdeen City Council.
The project has secured a further £1.5m to ensure the quality of programmes and delivery to enhance the overall visitor experience at the venue and funding is ongoing for future programme and activities.
For more information, visit https://www.aberdeensciencecentre.org
Professor Logan