Aberdeen Science Centre is recruiting a new chief executive to lead its brand new £6m state-of-the-art facility, which is due to open next year.
The new chief executive will take over from Liz Hodge, who is to retire from the role in December but will continue to oversee the delivery of the redevelopment project through to completion of the construction work and fit-out in summer 2020.
The centre has moved to temporary accommodation at 107 George Street to allow visitors to continue to enjoy interactive exhibits and topical science events while the refurbishment work is carried out at the old granite Tramsheds on Constitution Street.
The redevelopment will revitalise and transform the dated centre as well as expand the exhibition and corporate space to reflect the key priorities of the STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) agenda for both education and industry.
The transformation will include an extension and creation of a new mezzanine floor – almost doubling the exhibition space – and exposing the roof structure to allow natural light to flood into the building. It will also include major investment in new, state of the art interactive displays and exhibit content.
Frank Fowlie, of the board of trustees of Aberdeen Science Centre, said this is an exciting time to join the centre as it prepares for the reopening next year.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for a new chief executive to lead the centre ahead of its opening in the spring of 2020 and shape this landmark centre into a major attraction and education facility which people and businesses of the North-east can be proud of.
“The Board are extremely thankful to Liz for her dedication, hard work and commitment to Aberdeen Science Centre over the past five years and we wish her all the very best for her retirement.
“The ongoing redevelopment project is testament to the hard work she has put in to secure funding and ensure that the new centre reflects the STEM agenda of the future and makes use of the very latest technology to bring science, technology, engineering and maths to life for many generations of visitors.”
Liz has held a number of STEM education positions and worked in charity consultancy before taking on the role of chief executive at Aberdeen Science Centre in 2014.
Although stepping down from the chief executive role, Liz will be continuing her involvement with the Centre and will oversee the delivery of the project through to planned completion in Summer 2020. This will provide essential management continuity over the final crucial stage of the project.
Liz said: “With a lifelong passion for STEM education, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Aberdeen Science Centre and am looking forward to seeing the new centre completed and open to visitors next year. I’m proud to have been a part of creating a venue that really puts Aberdeen on the map as a forward-thinking supporter of STEM and inspires visitors for years to come.”
The £4.7m redevelopment has been 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. Additional support has been granted by Opportunity North East (ONE) and Aberdeen City Council.
Fundraising is ongoing to secure a further £1.25m to ensure quality of programmes and delivery to enhance the overall visitor experience at the venue.
The centre’s vision and mission are to inspire a lifelong interest in science by creating engaging experiences, with an ambition to be recognised as the Regional STEM Hub that connects, engages and works with members of the public, industry, academia and government to highlight and promote STEM.
Aberdeen Science Centre is scheduled to open at the Tramsheds in summer 2020.
For more information on Aberdeen Science Centre, visit www.aberdeensciencecentre.org