About us

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,

Ken Aitchinson (Queen Margaret University),

Lewi Hou – Science Ceilidh

Alison Dunwell – Midlothian Libraries

Grant McGowan  – Midothian Conucil STEM officer

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 visitors in science and discovery and build trust between local science centres and local communities.
• Encourage people to look towards these science centres as places of potential employment, and to understand issues of controversy so that they might become informed citizens involved in decision making.
• To cultivate curiosity and communicate the power of knowledge and creativity to change our world view;
• Raise the aspirations of local children and cultivate the next generation of scientific explorers.

Our aims are:

• To run enjoyable science activities in Midlothian appealing to a large, diverse audience of all ages and backgrounds, from professionals to novices, from science enthusiasts to the merely curious.
• To provide a non-threatening entry point for local people from a varied demographic area (including rural and deprived areas) to engage with science.
• To provide role models for careers in the form of festival staff, volunteers and presenters who work in STEM in the local area.
• To showcase current and historical science originating within Midlothian.
• To demonstrate Midlothian’s contribution and importance to science and technology at a global level and to broaden the horizons of future generations of scientists.

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 2015, around 8000 people attended our 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 Advocates:

The following scientists believe in the aims of this festival, and help deliver and promote the festival and its widening participation agenda:

• Prof. Ian Wilmut
• Prof. Helen Sang
• Prof. Alan Walker
• Prof. David Finnegan
• Dr Heather McQueen

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.