The Oxford Trust
Science Oxford Spreads Its Wings
In Autumn 2005, The Oxford Trust opened Science Oxford, the cultural centre for science on St Clements in Oxford. A centre of this kind is pretty much unique - although venues like London's Dana Centre bear similarities to Science Oxford in their public engagement with science approach, none combines a performance space for lectures and shows, a gallery space for exhibitions, and a children's hands-on science gallery.
This has meant that for our first two years of life we have been learning a huge amount about the world we inhabit. We have been exploring our surroundings, taking our first steps, and gradually developing a distinctive voice which we can use with confidence.
The extent to which we have developed during these formative years can be seen by the fantastic response to our current 'Oxfordshire Floodscapes' competition, supported by Clydesdale Bank. Digital photos of the summer's floods have been sent in by people from across the county. At the time of writing, entries are still rolling in to compete for the £150 first prize and the two £75 second prizes.
If that is the present, what does the future hold for Science Oxford? It is said that you can judge a person by the company he keeps, and in the case of our two year-old Science Oxford we feel well-set for the next few years. This is best illustrated by the realignment of the Oxfordshire Science Festival, which in 2008 will take place during National Science and Engineering Week in March. We have brought together a wide variety of partners to put together a programme that will be bigger, better and ballsier than ever before.
Why not get in touch and tell us where you think Science Oxford should be going as it continues to grow and prosper. How can we tackle the big issues in science and technology in a way that will make them accessible to all sections of the community, young and old, male and female, from all cultures and faiths. We have set ourselves a difficult challenge, but with the help of the people of the county we are confident that it can be achieved.
Please send us your suggestions at info@oxtrust.org.uk, phone 01865 728953 or call in at Science Oxford.
Image: Esme Lucas during a Digital Discovery workshop at Science Oxford
This article was written by Dom McDonald, Head of Public Programmes at Science Oxford
This monthly page is compiled by Science Oxford, cultural centre for science based in St Clements, Oxford. www.scienceoxford.com