We are a group of innovators, committed to sharing science with communities in Midlothian.
Our directors are:
- Jane Milne: Customer Services Manager, Midlothian Council
- Heather McQueen: Associate Director of Teaching Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh
- Philip Wark: Retired head of Midlothian Libraries
- Sarah Keer-Keer: Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh
- Dr Nicola Stock – Public Engagement Officer, Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh
Our festival Manager is Claire Jellema
In 2017 Freelance Staff working for us were:
- Lewis Hou delivered our CALA Homes sponsored schools programme
- Éamonn Coyne worked on our website and poster design
- Ruby Buchanan – wesite and social media content
- David Anthony – designer
Our committee members include:
Kathleen Pullen,
Susi Bachmann
Ken Aitchinson
Lewi Hou – Science Ceilidh
Alison Dunwell – Midlothian Libraries
Grant McGowan – Midothian Council STEM officer
Caroline Wight – Midlothian Council Economic Development
We are a Scottish Registered Charity SC044130
Our registered address is: Swann Building, Wtccb Max Born Cresent, Kings Buildings, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH9 3BF
We are a company limited by guarantee, Company SC446006
Our mission is to:
- Inspire and engage people in science and discovery, and build trust between local science centres and local communities
- To cultivate curiosity and communicate the power of knowledge and creativity to change our world view.
- Encourage people to understand real life application of science and issues of controversy so that they might become informed citizens involved in decision making.
- Raise aspirations of local young people and help cultivate the next generation of scientific explorers.
Our aims are:
- To develop high-quality, meaningful engagement with Midlothian people and communities. Co-produce events with local groups.
- To run enjoyable science activities in Midlothian appealing to a diverse audience of all ages, backgrounds and experience.
- To provide a non-threatening entry point for local people from a varied demographic to engage with science (prioritising deprived and rural areas).
- To provide science role models in the form of festival staff, volunteers and presenters who live or work in the local area.
- To showcase Midlothian’s contribution and importance to science and technology at a global level.
Our History and success:
Midlothian Science Festival ran for the first time in 2012. We ran over 30 events, with over 100 volunteers, at over 17 locations and over 1000 people attended.
In 2018, around 8000 people attended over 125 events in schools and community venues
Our Key Messages are:
Science, engineering and technology are everywhere and is for everyone – regardless of age or background.
Science, engineering and technology is a key part of Midlothian’s cultural identity and infuses into all areas including our natural and historic environment, our food and drink, our health care and sporting achievements, and our creative arts.
Midlothian has rich history of science, engineering and technology and continues to be a world leader in this field.
There are lots of career opportunities within science, engineering and technology in Midlothian.
Our local libraries are a key location for accessing STEM resources throughout the year.
Our Sponsors:
Without our sponsors we cannot run this festival. All our events are free or heavily subsidised, and do not raise income. Most people involved in the festival give their services and time for free. However, the festival needs a dedicated administrator, a printed brochure and a wonderful website and this is where the majority of our costs are spent.
