SCIENCE GALLERY DUBLIN ANNUAL REVIEW
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2019 SCIENCE GALLERY DUBLIN ANNUAL REVIEW
SCIENCE GALLERY DUBLIN ANNUAL REVIEW
01.01.19– 31.12.19
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2019 SCIENCE GALLERY DUBLIN ANNUAL REVIEW
Introduction 01
01 / INTRODUCTION 04
02 / BACKGROUND 06
CONTENTS 03 / EXHIBITIONS 08
03 / OPEN LABS 10
03 / PERFECTION 14
03 / PLASTIC 18
04 / EVENTS 22
05 / RESEARCH AND LEARNING 26
06 / VISITOR SURVEYS 30
07 / THE SCIENCE GALLERY NETWORK 32
08 / SCIENCE GALLERY INTERNATIONAL 34
09 / TOURING 36
10 / COMMUNICATIONS 38
11 / COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY 40
12 / SUPPORTERS AND COLLABORATORS 42
13 / FINANCIAL REPORT 44
14 / GOVERNANCE AND LEADERSHIP 48
15 / GOVERNANCE BOARD 50
16 / LEONARDO GROUP 54
17 / PLANS FOR 2020 56
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2019 SCIENCE GALLERY DUBLIN ANNUAL REVIEW
Introduction 01
At the time of writing this introduction we are living in a Its deep integration within Trinity College Dublin brings University of Melbourne, the exhibition was re-curated In a similar way, every single one of our partners
very different world to the one we are used to. Schools, scholars, researchers, students, and visitors together in Dublin, and was complemented by a series of events and sponsors contributes in a fundamental way to
universities, and almost all businesses are closed. Citizens in ways that are mutually beneficial—leading to new drawing on research done at Trinity College Dublin. our activities—but when when taken into account
can freely move only within a 2km radius from their home. research publications, award-winning educational collectively they make Science Gallery possible,
PLASTIC was designed with sustainability at its core. It is
The havoc brought by the COVID-19 pandemic is reshaping modules, and front-page mentions in the national news. and for this we are incredibly grateful to:
the first exhibition produced by Science Gallery to go on a
how we live, work, study, and engage with one another.
And while almost four million people have visited the national tour after its run in Dublin, and over the coming years Our founding partner, Trinity College Dublin; the Wellcome
Right now it may feel almost surreal to look back at when
exhibitions in Dublin, over two million have been to one of the it will have reached thousands of people throughout Ireland. Trust; our Science Circle members—ICON, Accenture The
things were “normal”; when the exhibition space was open,
many Science Gallery exhibitions and sites abroad—making Dock, NTR Foundation, and the Department of Culture,
visitors were flocking in, and thousands of students were Alongside these exhibitions, our events and educational
Science Gallery Dublin one of the largest non-profit cultural Heritage and the Gaeltacht; Science Foundation Ireland;
taking part in educational programs. But reflecting on 2019 programmes engaged thousands of participants on-site
exports of Ireland. It is through unbounded creativity and European Commission funding instruments (Horizon
shows us how crucial the work of Science Gallery is in and online. Through these varied programmes, Science
fearless imagination that Science Gallery has achieved 2020), the Erasmus+ Programme; the Creative Europe
preparing ourselves for times of unprecedented disruption. Gallery connected new audiences with thought-provoking
such a remarkable success, and the programme in 2019 Programme; our media partner The Irish Times; our
The insights sparked by the collision of science and art themes, and we connected with many local and national
is a testimony of the skills and capacity of all the staff to programme partners: Intel, The Ireland Funds, The Marker
have never been more essential than they are now—when organisations—which helped us broaden our impact.
produce exhibitions, events, and projects that once again Hotel, and Walls to Workstations; our Board and Leonardo
creativity is in all regards the survival tool which allows
take Science Gallery to the national and international stage. Funded by a record eight concurrent grants in 2019, our Group; our mediators; the 2019 Ask Donors; the Science
us to overcome the uncertainties of the pandemic.
research on learning and informal education shows that for Gallery Dublin team; and the artists, designers, scientists,
In 2019 our three exhibitions explored new ways to work with
researchers, and dreamers whose curiosity, creativity,
For over 10 years Science local communities, and national and international partners:
many young adults their encounter with Science Gallery has a
transformative effect that boosts their imagination, creativity, and vision continually inform and inspire our work.
Gallery Dublin has enabled OPEN LABS literally opened up to the public the empathy, critical thinking, and problem solving. This is
concepts of citizen science, open scholarship, particularly evident in our mediators, for whom working at
its communities to discover, participatory research, and science activism. Profoundly Science Gallery offers an extraordinary experience like no
Andrea Bandelli
contemporary, this exhibition functioned as a platform other—to the extent that this model is now implemented
learn, and engage with to trigger and showcase new intersections between by all other universities in the Science Gallery Network. Acting Director
technology and society in a playful and mindful way.
cutting edge science and This annual review is dotted with testimonies of so many
PERFECTION came to Dublin from Science Gallery people for whom an encounter with Science Gallery has been
contemporary issues; making Melbourne, and showed the value of being part of an a memorable moment. Taken individually they are important,
international network of leading universities. The exhibition and they show how significant even one visit to Science Kathryn O’Donoghue
complex topics accessible to investigated our complex relationship with the idea of Gallery is. But, when looked at together, they are a powerful Chairperson
perfection; an unattainable ambition for some, something manifestation of the community impact of Science Gallery.
wide and diverse audiences. to shy away for others. Originally developed at The
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2019 SCIENCE GALLERY DUBLIN ANNUAL REVIEW
Background 02
“At Science Gallery,
Our mission is to ignite The cutting-edge programme at Science Gallery Dublin
encourages young people to learn through their interests.
creativity and discovery where Since opening in 2008, over 3.8 million visitors to the
gallery have experienced 48 unique exhibitions ranging from
science and art collide. design and violence to light and love, and from contagion
many of the exhibits
and intimacy to the futures of the human species and life
Our vision is to catalyse the at the extremes. Our programme is fuelled by the expertise
of scientists, researchers, students, artists, designers,
creation of the world’s leading inventors, creative thinkers and entrepreneurs. The focus
network for involving, inspiring is on providing experiences that allow visitors to participate
and facilitate social connections, always providing an
function like mental
and transforming curious element of surprise. In 2012, the Science Gallery Network
was launched with the support of Google.org. This initiative
minds through science. oversees the development of Science Gallery projects in
locations all around the world, with the first new gallery
We achieve this by opened in London in 2018 and activity in Atlanta, Bengaluru,
coat hangers:
Detroit, Melbourne, Rotterdam and Venice also underway.
encouraging our audience to
discover, express and pursue
their passion for science
through an ever-changing
programme of exhibitions,
events and experiences, all
vividly brought together at the
things to hang new
dynamic intersection where
science and art collide. thoughts on.” — Gemma Tipton, Irish Times
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2019 SCIENCE GALLERY DUBLIN ANNUAL REVIEW
Exhibitions 03
How can science In 2019, Science Gallery Dublin continued to experiment with new
be more open? Why exhibition formats, and new approaches to exploring themes that are
important to our audiences. We invited visitors to become part of the
do humans strive research process in OPEN LABS — where we explored the expanding
potential of citizen science. Part exhibition, part experiment, OPEN
for perfection? What LABS showcased DIY culture across design, research, technology,
does the future hold and activism. It invited visitors to take part in, and help shape, the
scientific process. OPEN LABS also explored the potential for a
for plastic? In 2019, scientific practice that is more open, democratic, and collaborative.
Science Gallery Dublin PERFECTION was a creative collision of scientific experimentation and
artistic expression. It held up the mirror of self-reflection, and invited
asked questions visitors to see the benefits, and the problematic aspects, of the imperfect/
that explored our perfect dichotomy. The aim of the exhibition was to leave visitors
questioning their own interpretations of ‘perfect’. PERFECTION was initially
relationship with the developed and exhibited at Science Gallery Melbourne, and this was
our first Science Gallery Network exhibition to be adapted for Dublin.
scientific process, with
With PLASTIC, our goal was to spark a conversation about an Earth-
ourselves, and with damaging material that we cannot live without. We developed an
our environment. exhibition and events programme to explore how we can responsibly
use this versatile material — while fundamentally changing our
approach to living with, and using, plastic. This was our first
exhibition to tour nationally; bringing Science Gallery Dublin to new
audiences in Wexford, Drogheda, Galway and Letterkenny.
We extend huge thanks to our 2019 Programme Partners — Intel and the
Food Safety Authority of Ireland; our Lead Partner the Wellcome Trust,
Science Circle members — Deloitte, ICON and NTR Foundation. We also
received government support from the Department of Culture, Heritage
and the Gaeltacht, Science Foundation Ireland, The Embassy of France
in Ireland and Science Gallery Dublin’s media partner The Irish Times.
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2019 SCIENCE GALLERY DUBLIN ANNUAL REVIEW
15.03.19 – 02.06.19 What does ‘openness’ mean for art and science?
OPEN LABS Can new kinds of knowledge be created by actively
working against disciplinary boundaries, instead of
within them? How is citizen science transforming how
99%
we do research? Through the co-creation of accessible
protocols and tools, OPEN LABS set out to generate new
ways of observing, analysing and living in the world.
OPEN LABS was an experimental exhibition that featured
four international labs, and a Science Gallery Dublin curated “The Science Gallery is In Living images, Johanna Rotko
workshop-space, that together blurred the boundaries a great spot, the theme cultivates yeast on growth mediums
of art, science, technology, and activism—where the always changes, the gallery to create images. The process brings
— of visitors said it met or exceeded their
lab might be in the kitchen, the forest, the bedroom, or is free to enter, and there photographs to life as images are
expectations
the street. The exhibition celebrated a multidisciplinary are always staff members exposed onto cultivated yeast with
international network of artists, activists, and technologists around the exhibition that ultraviolet LED lamps.
who are pioneering new methods of creative research. are more than happy to talk
about the exhibition”
These labs celebrated collective curiosity, and challenged
— Mikolaj, visitor book entry
the expectations of what a lab can do—and why it should
exist. They challenged traditional models of scientific
research; highlighting the roles of citizens in science.
From community-led data collection, to the public shaping “Congratulations to @
hack1design for putting up
98%
our research priorities, OPEN LABS explored how citizen Emotion recognition software
science invites us all to take part in the scientific process. an interesting interactive analyses our emotions by
lab at @SciGalleryDub. deconstructing our facial expressions. — of visitors said the mediators were helpful
OPEN LABS examined the social and political implications Worth visiting!” In Random String Of Emotions by
of scientific research, and used technology in ways that — @AdriaanPalm, Ambassador Coralie Vogelaar, the process is
were not necessarily intended—making room for the of the Netherlands to Ireland, reversed, and random expressions
ambiguous, the subjective, the poetic, and the unsolvable. via Twitter of emotions are generated.
At this exhibition, visitors participated in creative
75,209
experiments, hacked their own tools, or used it as an
opportunity to get inspired to launch their own open lab.
OPEN LABS was curated by the Office of Life and Art,
and featured work from Art Science Bangalore (IN), Bioart
Society (FI), Hackers & Designers (NL), and Public Lab
(US)—as well as researchers and creative experimentalists
from Trinity College Dublin and around the world.
— OPEN LABS visitors
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2019 SCIENCE GALLERY DUBLIN ANNUAL REVIEW
21.06.19 – 06.10.19
PERFECTION
58
Why do humans strive for perfection? Is perfection in the
mind of the beholder? Are we becoming tantalisingly, or
indeed, terrifyingly closer to fulfilling our insatiable desire
Could a robot be the ultimate perfect partner?
for perfection? Through the work of artists, musicians,
Harmony, by Realbotix, is one of the world’s
72%
mathematicians, architects, designers, psychologists,
most advanced robotic companions. A robot
and surgeons, Science Gallery Dublin explored what it
means to pursue perfection in a non-perfect world. By
holding up a mirror to our own ideals, PERFECTION
% — of visitors spent more than 30 mins in
that you can customise to look exactly how
you want it to look.
— were first time visitors the exhibition
“Interactive exhibitions that stimulate the mind,
reflects our ever-changing ideas of scientific precision,
senses, and emotions...it offers something
psychological perfectionism, and perfect imperfection.
different from the art galleries to be found at
Underpinned by the accuracy and precision of mathematics the heart of the city by combining science
and physics, a wave of new science and technology into every installation”
allows us to modify, hack, and transform our lives into — Andrea de Brún, June 2019, via Facebook.
our own personal perfection. We can surgically modify
our bodies, build perfect cities, clone our dogs, and live
in ecological harmony with our environment. With growing
cultural pressures to be perfect and live an ideal life, is
striving for perfection a positive goal? Or is imperfection
what sustains life, and creates diversity and difference?
Graham, by Patricia Piccinini, has
PERFECTION originated at Science Gallery Melbourne been perfectly designed to withstand
in 2018, and was re-curated for Science Gallery Dublin the impact force of a low speed
with a more focussed lens; taking a specific look at crash. His enlarged skull is filled
the human-centric pursuit of perfection both for utility, with extra cerebrospinal fluid and
and for aesthetic reasons. We worked with physicists ligaments to protect the brain.
121,120
Arlene Gallagher and Stefan Hutzler, and GP and
radio presenter Ciara Kelly, to explore our attempts
to achieve something that may not even exist. Morphoteque #15, by Driessens &
Verstappen, reflects the human urge
for perfection through standardisation,
by conserving rejected peppers and
highlighting the natural diversity within
— PERFECTION visitors a species.
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2019 SCIENCE GALLERY DUBLIN ANNUAL REVIEW
25.10.19 – 09.02.20 Plastic has transformed our daily lives and our environment more than any
PLASTIC other material. The unsustainability of our use of plastic is well documented—
but ceasing plastic use is not an option. Plastic has revolutionised industrial
..
design, and modern medicine relies on plastic so heavily that even the
most basic medical procedures would be unimaginable without it.
So, are we looking at a dystopian or utopian future? Increased
awareness of the environmental impact of single-use plastic has
led to a reduction in its use, and PLASTIC highlights the many ways
“They had a very nuanced
we can reuse, refuse, and recycle. The exhibition was timely, as it
exploration of plastic as a
launched just as the European Parliament voted for a complete ban on
facilitator of innovation and
a range of single-use plastics across the Union. Ireland's government
then announced a ban on single-use plastics from its government
source of destruction. Highly
recommended.” Warning labels on cigarette packs alert
99%
departments and public bodies that will take effect in 2021. us to the damage smoking can do to — of visitors felt welcome
— Devin, visitor book entry
Plastic and soft robotics have our health. The People’s Plastic asks,
The exhibition also celebrates plastic by showcasing the work of
revolutionised medicine. The Biohybrid “What if we took a similar approach
material scientists investigating plastic alternatives, and medical
“The current exhibition at the Robotic Respiratory Simulator is a soft to highlight the damage single-use
practitioners who see a bright future for this amazing resource.
Science Gallery in Dublin robotic diaphragm that moves real lung plastic can do to our environment?”
The exhibition (which is produced with the support of Science Foundation grapples with the big dilemma tissue, allowing the patient to breathe.
99%
Ireland) is Science Gallery Dublin’s first national touring exhibition. We will facing a world dependent on
recycle, repurpose, and reuse components of the exhibition as PLASTIC this magical but also cursed
travels to galleries in Drogheda, Wexford, Galway, and Letterkenny. In material. Plastic: Can’t Live
each location, an artist has been commissioned to work with the local with It, Can’t Live without
community to co-design an artwork reflecting the cultural history, place, It looks at how plastic has
and relationship between the people and their environment. The tour changed human lives over the
will culminate in a one day summit at the end of 2020 bringing together last century, and how it has
communities, artists, designers, researchers, students, scientists, and created unique problems for
— of visitors rated Science Gallery as good,
policy-makers to evaluate and discuss our relationship with this material. the world.“
very good, or excellent
— Kevin Courtney, The Irish Times
In developing PLASTIC, the team at Science Gallery Dublin has explored
95,500
our own relationship with the material—including how it is used in our
exhibitions, the types of packaging we use to store and transport artworks,
and the role of single-use plastics in our café. We ensured that materials
Better To Transport, by Thomas
chosen for PLASTIC were ethical, and reusable—and our aim is that
Hoogewerf, is a tricycle made from
these changes in how we use plastic at the gallery become long term.
prefabricated sheets of recycled
plastic, designed to demonstrate
the potential of recycling, and to
— PLASTIC visitors encourage reuse of plastic waste.
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2019 SCIENCE GALLERY DUBLIN ANNUAL REVIEW
Events 04
The events programme at Science Gallery Dublin creates opportunities for EVENTS HIGHLIGHTS
deeper engagement with the themes of an exhibition, as well as opportunities
for our audiences to connect and have conversations with artists and A New Age Of Activism
scientists. As part of OPEN LABS, Michael McDermott
chaired a panel discussion on the different
In 2019, we held 99 events with a total of 11,798 attendees. We modes, materials and mediums we can
experimented with new formats—such as a book club, which invited online use to effectively communicate topics that
audiences to join the conversation—and space within OPEN LABS that matter most to society. The panel of creative
welcomed 600 people to ‘thinkshops’, workshops, and ‘talkshops’ to explore contributors explored the value of merging
the process of collaboration. art, creativity, and activism to project these
issues into public awareness.
Collaboration was a core part of everything we did in 2019. We worked with
the Food Safety Authority of Ireland to develop a curated dinner as part of
PERFECTION, and a panel discussion as part of PLASTIC. We also worked “It was great to hear from activists who have
with ICON to discuss living conditions, and advances in care for people living been at the forefront of using art to bring
with conditions including HIV, cancer, and cystic fibrosis. We collaborated about social change.”
with the Douglas Hyde Gallery on an event and film screening exploring — Audience feedback
perfection, and we worked with the Institute of Creative Advertising and
Design (ICAD) on their Upstarts graduate programme.
In Pursuit Of…
Twenty-six of our events this year were developed and run by members of
To coincide with PERFECTION, we hosted
our mediator team; our mediators used this platform to programme events
a series of talks, panels, and workshops
that responded quickly to important societal discussions. For example, in
focused on the human quest for perfection.
OPEN LABS, our mediators developed a residency and event with Extinction
This series looked at the different ways
Rebellion. Our community events continue to provide a space for important
we strive for perfection, why we do it,
initiatives, including a networking event for Deaf and hard of hearing
and how it impacts us; and it explored
scientists, and a campaign to encourage young women to take up cycling.
themes such as social media, physical
We also developed events as part of our Research and Learning projects, for
appearance, food, academia, and design.
example ‘The Space Between Your Ears’ as part of SpaceEU during Space
Week, an interactive game-show style event with teams of space scientists
competing for the audience’s votes. “Brilliant discussion - so much room for
improvement, diversity, creativity, and more
Our events engagement extended beyond the gallery walls—with 18,487
in the school system.’
live-stream views throughout the year. We also held seven events outside of
— Audience feedback
the gallery, including pop-up panel discussions and a roving installation at
two music festivals.
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Events 04
Collaboration with the Douglas “The general structure of the event was very “Thoroughly enjoyed — albeit from the Dirty Dinner Body & Soul
Hyde Gallery effective, and allowed for contributions sedentary comfort of my couch - though Food designer Clare Anne O’Keefe At Body & Soul, we invited festival goers
We teamed up with the Douglas Hyde from many different participants.” that is after a full week of moving around prepared a thought provoking Dirty Dinner to reflect on the roles their imperfections
Gallery to programme two events. IN — Audience feedback and walking!” in collaboration with the Science Gallery play in their lives. Audiences could also
PURSUIT OF THE PERFECT FORM — Audience feedback Café and the Food Safety Authority of leave a saliva or hair sample in a test
looked at depictions of women in art Culture Night Ireland. Each course explored our feelings tube to add to Murizio Toscano’s Ark of
from classical and medieval times to Culture Night is an annual event, where about ‘clean’ or ‘dirty’ foods, and sparked Imperfection, a speculative repository
the present day, inspired by some of the cultural venues offer free late-night discussions on how this affects our society, for a “perfect” world in which future
Cancer And Clinical Trials
exhibits in PERFECTION. For the second entertainment as part of an all-island the environment, and what we eat. generations might want to re-introduce
As part of our partnership with ICON, we
part of the collaboration, we screened celebration of arts, heritage, and culture. the imperfections that had been lost.
held a panel discussion on the future of PLASTIC Workshops
Love & Anarchy, a 1973 film directed by We marked the occasion by inviting
cancer care. Writer and cancer survivor We developed a series of 19 workshops, Kaleidoscope
Lina Wertmüller on the measures we take people of all ages to a special viewing of
Sinéad Gleeson was joined by scientists led by artists, scientists and researchers to Science Gallery Dublin presented two days
to attain a more perfect society while PERFECTION with live music curated by The
and other cancer survivors for a discussion engage visitors with the themes of PLASTIC. of DISCOVERY STORIES for this family-
exploring the tricky business of depicting Big Romance, a panel discussion on social
hosted by broadcaster and medic, Ciara The workshop programme included friendly festival. The story panel condensed
“perfect” women in film. Wertmüller has media, and a theatrical performance driven
Kelly. Gleeson also shared an excerpt from ‘Sustainability Salon’, ‘Repair, Take Care, a life of discovery into a compelling five
been criticised by feminists for degrading by artificial intelligence.
her memoir, Constellations: Reflections from Re-Wear’, Alternative WRAP, ‘Bioplastic minutes of entertainment to be judged
women in her films and portraying them as
Life. Prospects’, a ‘Plastic-free cosmetics by the audience. The educational and
little more the objects of the male gaze.
In Praise Of Walking workshop’, and ‘Microplastic – Macrocosm’. entertaining tales explored the lives of
Book club In association with the Dublin Book Festival, They were mentioned as “not to miss” in researchers, technologists, and scientists.
“Good panel mix, loved the patient’s input”
We piloted a new BOOK CLUB series in Professor of Experimental Brain Research The New York Times travel section.
— Audience feedback
association with Heliosphere, a digital ICAD Upstarts
at Trinity College Dublin Shane O’Mara
communications initiative from the Adapt This programme enhances the skillsets of
presented his book, In Praise of Walking. We
Centre at Trinity College Dublin. To kickstart emerging creatives, and opens doors for
held a panel discussion designed to offer
the series, we invited immunologist Luke them in the creative advertising and design
practical advice on leading a more active
O’Neill to discuss his book, Humanology. industries. The Science Gallery Dublin team
lifestyle, with scientists and advocates for
The aim of BOOK CLUB is to spark invited Upstarts participants to reimagine
exercise and spending time outdoors.
conversation and debate around thought- the Science Gallery brand. The responses
provoking books related to art and science. to the brief were exhibited in the Accenture
Gallery, and creative directors and senior
creatives were invited to explore the work.
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2019 SCIENCE GALLERY DUBLIN ANNUAL REVIEW
Research and Learning 05
Technological advances may lead to a programme for Transition Year students, RESEARCH AND LEARNING HIGHLIGHTS
more just and inclusive world, but may as well as our first PhD studentship, co-
also serve to increase the divide between supervised by the School of Education. Mediator Programme — Education events and workshops
those who have and have not. Navigating Following the success of mediator-led
this complex world requires agile thinkers We describe our work as “research and programming during INTIMACY, mediators “I initially thought that I would find it
who can solve problems using imagination, practice”. Our practice includes engaging were invited to curate a regular Saturday difficult to work in a group as everyone
creativity, and empathy—skills which may be with young people and facilitating their afternoon events programme in the OPEN inputs varying levels of effort, but I was
developed through educational experiences learning, and our research looks at the SHOP space, as part of the OPEN LABS proved otherwise.” — Student who took part
combining the arts and sciences. Science kinds of impact these experiences have on exhibition. Science Gallery International in ARTificial Intelligence Lab Summer School.
Gallery Dublin’s learning programmes learners. This model allows our practise launched a learning system for the network,
are centred around the concept of asking to inform the design of the research. In with online modules that mediators can use
young people to consider what is required turn, the results of the research are used to develop skills such as communication or
to succeed in a world in which exam marks to inform and improve our practice. workshop facilitation.
and content knowledge are becoming less
Funding from Horizon 2020, Wellcome Idea Translation Lab
important; and skills such as creativity,
Trust, Erasmus+, Creative Europe, and In 2019, Idea Translation Lab became part
collaboration, communication, critical
Science Foundation Ireland is allowing of the new Trinity Electives Programme — a
thinking, and problem solving are key. Our
us to bring learners together to explore programme that helps students develop
programmes encourage active learning
different themes at the intersection broad skills “to act responsibly, to think
through challenges based on relevant
of science, technology, engineering, independently, to communicate effectively,
and current themes, and we also invite
art, and design—always with a focus and to develop continuously”. In June, we
participants to reflect critically on how they
on society and our shared future. were awarded €10,000 from the Trinity
learn and develop through the experience.
Education Project for the development of the
Co-creation is a major focus for Science
In 2019, our Idea Translation Lab was new Idea Translation Lab elective, in which
Gallery Dublin, largely due to the work
part of the first series of elective modules students are examining the various systems
carried out through the SISCODE project in
353
offered through the Trinity Education that underpin society, cities, and technology.
2,628
2019. This project gave us an opportunity
Project for undergraduate students across The module culminated in November with an
to try out tools and methods to support
a range of subject disciplines. Science exhibition and presentation of the students’
co-creation and co-design in projects on
Gallery Dublin currently coordinates the work.
youth mental health and well-being. It has
SySTEM 2020 project which connects,
also demonstrated the potential of these Erasmus+ Youth Advisory Exchange
evaluates, and improves non-formal
approaches, and is helping us develop In October, we established a Youth Advisory
science learning across Europe, placing
inclusive ways to create new work along Group; which is a group of 18–25 year
us in a strong international position as we
with our audiences and community. olds, who will be advisors to Science Gallery
head into the new era of Horizon Europe. — Teachers and educators involved in workshops
In 2019, this project funded our ongoing Dublin — and will help the team ensure that and events
— Students engaged in workshops and events
26 27CO-CREATING CHANGE
which young people from across the Science SISCODE
Research and Learning 05 Gallery network came together to discuss the Funded by Horizon 2020, this project
Funded by Science Foundation Ireland, this
project has four core components: public
challenges facing young people globally, and focuses on co-creation as a tool for
activation, co-creation, exhibition, and
the role of the Science Gallery Network as a change, especially in terms of policy
policy. Beginning with the development of
platform for young people, and creativity. making. Ten “lab spaces” across Europe
they create relevant programmes, reach a CO-CREATING CHANGE (funded by Science of design thinking, in which they came up PLASTIC at Science Gallery Dublin, CO-
will focus on specific challenges.
diverse group of young people, and develop Foundation Ireland) several workshops with technology-driven solutions to societal SySTEM 2020 CREATING CHANGE provides a framework
new audiences. Science Gallery International focused on themes connected to PLASTIC — challenges. The ARTificial Intelligence Lab Funded by Horizon 2020, SySTEM 2020 is Science Gallery Dublin is addressing “mental for the curation of four smaller PLASTIC
hosted an Erasmus+ funded Youth Exchange including alternative raw materials for plastic Summer School culminated in an evening a three year project coordinated by Science health and well-being management with exhibitions that will tour to Wexford,
in Dublin between Youth Advisory Groups production, reduction of plastic use, and event aimed at 15-18 year-olds, and was Gallery Dublin; with 22 partners across young people”. We are working with young Drogheda, Galway, and Letterkenny. At
from Science Gallery Dublin, Rotterdam and creative solutions for the plastic crisis. A focus open to all young people as well as attendees Europe and Israel. The project maps science people, researchers, NGO members, each location, Science Gallery Dublin will
Venice. The young people spent a week for our research (supported by the Science of the summer school. One hundred and learning outside the classroom across parents, and teachers to run a series of facilitate a collaboration between a local
exchanging knowledge and experience Learning+ project) is the role of the facilitator eighty-seven young people attended. 22 countries in Europe, and will provide co-design workshops titled OPEN MIND. artist, or designer, and a scientist. They
— and participated in a programme of in such a setting, and in particular how tools for young people to be able to track The co-creation process—which included will develop an exhibit in partnership with
workshops and events which covered they can support the learning, and identity- Junior Cycle For Teachers
and credentialise their science learning. research, focus groups, and collaborative the local community, helping to create
topics such as: equity and inclusion, youth building of the young participants. — STEAM Elective CPD Days
This map will be a network for initiatives workshops—resulted in a targeted exploration an accurate representation of the role of
empowerment, active citizenship, climate For three years, Science Gallery Dublin
across Europe that offer science learning of hobbies that support mental health. plastic in Ireland today. The co-creation
action, co-design, co-creation, leadership, ARTificial Intelligence Lab Summer School has been working with the Junior Cycle
outside the classroom. Each partner will component of this project involves several
and the development of skills such as critical We hosted a week-long programme for 15-18 for Teachers (JCT) Science team— We will also facilitate a mentorship
ensure that at least 100 initiatives from events, workshops, and presentations,
thinking, and emotional resilience. year olds—hosted in collaboration with the an organisation providing continuous programme in four schools, where Transition
their country or region are on the map. and incorporates local DEIS schools.
Robotics and Innovation Lab at Trinity College professional development for teachers Year students will be offered modules in
OPEN MIND Studio Dublin—covering science, engineering, art, of the new Junior Cycle specification. Science Learning+ leadership, mental health awareness and SpaceEU
In 2019, Science Gallery Dublin introduced design, and ethics. It offered young people an This international initiative explores informal management skills, and they will create a SpaceEU, coordinated by the University of
Science Gallery Dublin is one of 12 non-
OPEN MIND Studio, a new programme opportunity to explore the roles of knowledge, learning experiences inside and outside hobby club with and for first year students. Leiden, is a space outreach and education
formal science education organisations
for Transition Year students. Connected creativity and responsibility in shaping our of school. The project aims to broaden programme to motivate young people, and
working with JCT to bring STEAM to the Tinkering EU
to the OPEN MIND project as part of future. The summer school was co-funded participation in STEM, and is focused on encourage them to choose space-related
Junior Cycle classroom through four themes: Funded by Erasmus+, ‘Tinkering EU2:
SISCODE EU, it invites students to work by the Higher Education Authority and the teenagers from communities historically careers. Science Gallery Dublin is involved
humans, systems, oceans, and wearables. Building Science Capital for All’ is a
in a transdisciplinary way, to experiment European ARTificial Intelligence Lab project, underrepresented in STEM fields. in the design process for a space-themed
Our role is in the ‘humans’ strand, exploring collaborative Europe-wide project which
in a free and open space, and to broaden funded by the Creative Europe programme Research is a core part of this project, exhibit; and a series of educational activities
what the future might look like for humans in explores ‘tinkering’ as an approach to
their horizons. In each workshop, students of the European Commission. The European and we are evaluating the experiences in collaboration with Ars Electronica, and
Ireland in 2050. We delivered four workshops learning. ‘Tinkering’ is an inclusive, innovative,
explored the intersections between science, ARTificial Intelligence Lab project explores of both students and facilitators in our other project partners. The exhibition
to 86 teachers in Waterford, Dublin, Galway, and collaborative educational approach
the arts, culture, design, and innovation. the future of AI and robotics—not only in Transition Year programmes. We also consists of three modules—covering
and Navan. Using Design Thinking, these that seeks to promote lifelong engagement
We continued to reserve 40% of places for the technological or economic spheres, but developed a longitudinal study with technological advancements made from
workshops helped teachers explore creative with science. This project will explore the
students from DEIS schools, using our links also in the context of psychology, philosophy, Sam Mejias, from the London School of space science, space science and climate
ways to bring transdisciplinary, problem- use of tinkering in school education for the
with Trinity Access Programme, and other ethics, and spirituality. In addition to a Economics, where we interviewed 16 change, and space science as a driver of
based learning to the Junior Cycle classroom. development of science capital—with a
university and college access programmes. series of workshops on Arduino coding and former participants in Transition Year creativity and innovation. The exhibition
We help students develop 21st century robotics, machine learning, and human- specific focus on teachers and students premiered at the Ars Electronica Festival
Youth Symposium programmes, and will follow up with annual
skills, including creativity, critical thinking, centred design—the students also completed from under-served, under-represented in September 2019, and we will facilitate
The second annual Youth Symposium was interviews for the next three years.
collaboration, and communication. As part of week-long group projects through a process communities and areas. a tour of the exhibition to Ireland.
hosted by Science Gallery London; during
28 292019 SCIENCE GALLERY DUBLIN ANNUAL REVIEW
RESEARCH AND EVALUATION
Visitor Surveys 06
Rated Science Gallery Repeat SG Visitors Visitors 15–25 Visitors who are TCD students
highly (G/VG/E) Yes Yes Yes
DIGITAL Yes No No No No
We continued to gain valuable new insights into
the experiences and interests of our visitors. We
Page views Traffic Sources 1. 2. 1. 2. 1. 2. 1. 2.
worked with Martha Fanning Research to conduct
surveys and interviews with exhibition visitors—
and we used CultureCounts for visitor-led surveys.
793,751 46.9% 49.1% 4%
—Increase of 13% from 2018
Unique visitors 3. 4. 3. 4. 3. 4. 3. 4.
RESEARCH OVERVIEW: KEY INSIGHTS
Desktop Mobile Tablet
Total visitors in 2019 262,541
— Increase of 22% from 2018
350,009 Facebook followers Website visitors
1. EXHIBITION AVERAGE 98% 1. EXHIBITION AVERAGE 39% 1. EXHIBITION AVERAGE 41% 1. EXHIBITION AVERAGE 37%
2. OPEN LABS 98% 2. OPEN LABS 27% 2. OPEN LABS 33% 2. OPEN LABS 35%
Visitors found mediators helpful
38,902 3. PERFECTION 97% 3. PERFECTION 42% 3. PERFECTION 46% 3. PERFECTION 41%
97% — Increase of 5.6% from 2018 76.2% 23.8%
4. PLASTIC 99% 4. PLASTIC 49% 4. PLASTIC 44% 4. PLASTIC 34%
Visitors aged 15–25 Twitter followers
41% 33,306 New Returning
Would recommend to a friend Knowledge of theme increased Found mediators helpful Would discuss with friends and family
— Decrease of 0.3% from 2018 Yes Yes Yes Yes
Repeat visitors No No No No
Instagram followers
39% 9,376 1. 2. 1. 2. 1. 2. 1. 2.
Increase of 37% from 2018
Email Subscribers
3. 4. 3. 4.
14,038
3. 4. 3. 4.
— Decrease of 4.8% from 2018
1. EXHIBITION AVERAGE 83% 1. EXHIBITION AVERAGE 90% 1. EXHIBITION AVERAGE 97% 1. EXHIBITION AVERAGE 85%
2. OPEN LABS 74% 2. OPEN LABS 91% 2. OPEN LABS 98% 2. OPEN LABS 73%
3. PERFECTION 85% 3. PERFECTION 82% 3. PERFECTION 95% 3. PERFECTION 85%
4. PLASTIC 90% 4. PLASTIC 98% 4. PLASTIC 99% 4. PLASTIC 96%
30 312019 SCIENCE GALLERY DUBLIN ANNUAL REVIEW
The Science Gallery Network 07
281 408,000
— Number of events across the network — Visitors across the network
Science Gallery is the world’s only university researchers have presented groundbreaking
network dedicated to public engagement with work through our exhibitions and events.
science and art. The Science Gallery Network
consists of leading universities united around By joining the Science Gallery Network,
a singular mission: to ignite creativity and universities can draw on global connections
discovery where science and art collide. to benefit their local communities, and use
their local insights to generate new research
The Science Gallery Network has eight with international impact. Network members
members across four continents: Atlanta, recognise that the Science Gallery Network
Bengaluru, Detroit, Dublin, London, contributes significantly to achieving their
Melbourne, Rotterdam and Venice. key strategic objectives: internationalisation,
excellence in research and learning,
The Network consistently sees innovation and entrepreneurship, student
unprecedented levels of accomplishment recruitment, and community engagement.
by its members—a testimony to their
capacity, innovation, and vision. The network
effect is visible and strong: the staff at the
various locations provide training to one
another; gallery teams on opposite sides
of the world collaborate on co-curated
exhibitions; the directors regularly meet to
develop joint projects; and the exhibition
open-calls attract thousands of participants
from all over the world. To date, over 6.2
million visitors have engaged with the
galleries. Hundreds of scientists, artists, and
32 332019 SCIENCE GALLERY DUBLIN ANNUAL REVIEW
Science Gallery International 08
With the ongoing development of the Network, Science Gallery 2019 was full of several incredible firsts for the Science • June was a busy time at Science Gallery, as three • In August, DISPOSABLE at Science Gallery Melbourne
International’s remit to catalyse growth, and to share learning Gallery Network. Here are some highlights: exhibitions opened around the world: used pop-up installations, experiments, and events across
across the Network has never been more crucial. Science • In London, DARK MATTER delved into one of the Melbourne to explore creative responses to the global
Gallery International creates and manages tools and resources, • In January we were delighted to welcome the seventh waste problem. From urine-powered phone batteries, to
biggest mysteries in physics today, and looked at what
state of the art technology, digital platforms, intellectual member of the Science Gallery Network: Science Gallery soaps made from the sewer, visitors made friends with
makes up our Universe. Imagining the unseen, and
property, unique learning and knowledge exchange, peer Rotterdam at Erasmus University Medical Center—one of 12,000 polystyrene eating mealworms, and a trash-eating
questioning the invisible, DARK MATTER explored
support—and much more for our network members. Europe’s premiere medical schools. robot.
matter and materiality, the concept of invisibility and
• In February, SPARE PARTS launched at Science Gallery • ON EDGE launched in September at Science Gallery
infinite divisibility, and the human quest for absolute
Science Gallery International enables a truly global learning London. From couture tissue-engineering and growing
truth and knowledge. London. ON EDGE sparked conversations around the
experience for university faculty, students, researchers, and replacement body parts, to personal stories of organ causes of and responses to anxiety today through art,
the local community. These tools and initiatives work to enable transplantation and more, SPARE PARTS invited visitors • In Detroit, DEPTH explored water’s power to spread life
design, psychology, and neuroscience. It explored the
member universities to achieve their strategic goals, and to discover what the future of medical engineering might and rejuvenation, as well as death and destruction—
connections between an individual’s experience of anxiety,
ensure that Science Gallery benefits the university generally. mean for us all. and asked visitors to consider how we can value
and how society frames those experiences.
• In March, OPEN LABS at Science Gallery Dublin the power of water; understand why it brings us joy
Science Gallery International was established in 2012— • October was another busy month, as three new exhibitions
celebrated collective curiosity, challenging the and life; stop our abuse of it; and wonder about the
with the founding goal of establishing a Science Gallery went live:
expectations of what a lab can do and why it should exist. undiscovered and unknown.
Network with eight nodes by 2020 (based on the success • In Dublin, PLASTIC launched and examined the
Showcasing surprising projects and experiments from • In Dublin, PERFECTION reflected on the ever-changing
of Science Gallery Dublin at Trinity College Dublin). necessity and usefulness, but also the terrible aspects,
around the world, the exhibits in OPEN LABS helped ideas of scientific precision, body augmentation,
of plastic as a material.
In January 2020, Science Gallery International announced that us imagine the many directions independent, creative perfect imperfection, and the science and technology
research can go. that allow us to modify and transform our lives. • Science Gallery Venice, and Science Gallery Bengaluru
Atlanta-based Emory University—one of the world’s leading
• In May, Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden visited PERFECTION originated at Science Gallery Melbourne, both held pop-up exhibitions exploring chemistry, for
research universities—will become the latest member of its
Science Gallery Dublin—as part of a three-day state before it travelled to Dublin to enthral visitors here. the 150th anniversary of the Periodic Table—both
global network of Science Gallery locations. This development
visit to Ireland. At the gallery, Queen Silvia took part • The 2nd Annual Science Gallery Youth Symposium was inspired by Dublin’s 2011 exhibition, ELEMENTS.
delivers on the organisation’s ‘Eight by 2020’ goal, further
in an OPEN MIND workshop with students from local hosted by Science Gallery London in July; and brought • In November, Science Gallery London won an award
expanding its global reach. This achievement demonstrates the
secondary schools, aimed at finding solutions to mental young people from Dublin, London, Detroit, and Venice for best refurbishment at the 2019 Architects’ Journal
international appetite for the Science Gallery concept; in which
health problems faced by young people. together. We had it all: creativity bingo, sensory storytelling, Architectural Awards. The refurbishment of an 18th
science and the humanities work together—a concept which
and even participatory rap—but most importantly, we had Century building on the Guy’s Campus of King’s College
was homegrown in Ireland and exported across the world.
young people from across the Science Gallery Network London was recognised for its stunning sustainable design
meeting, thinking, and co-creating. We’ve set a challenge and for demonstrating exceptional collaboration.
to ourselves to embed as many of their ideas as we can • In December, Science Gallery Bengaluru’s first full-scale
into our programming. exhibition, SUBMERGE, showcased what could happen if
geologists, hydrologists, artists, civil engineers, ecologists,
social scientists, oceanographers, historians, and
storytellers shared, and created, knowledge about water—
to address challenges and identify future challenges.
34 352019 SCIENCE GALLERY DUBLIN ANNUAL REVIEW
Touring 09
Science Gallery touring exhibitions have Nov 18 – Mar 19 (extended from Feb 19)
ILLUSION
now reached over 1.6 million people New Plymouth, New Zealand:
Puke Ariki Science Center
worldwide. With the Science Gallery
Network now taking full shape, our Feb 19 – Jul 19 (extended from Feb 19)
focus has shifted to creating exhibitions SOUND CHECK
Stockholm, Sweden:
that can travel across network locations. Swedish Museum Of Performing Arts
PERFECTION, for example traveled
from Melbourne to Dublin this year;
while DARK MATTER will be featured
in the 2020 programme in Dublin—
recurated and renamed INVISIBLE.
Science Gallery Dublin exhibitions are
also touring across the Network, with
ILLUSION travelling to Science Gallery
Venice, and SEEING being programmed
as the flagship exhibition at Science
We Are All Scientists, in association
Gallery London in the summer of 2020. with Pfizer, became Science Gallery
Dublin’s first pop-up exhibition,
running at the CHQ for the duration
of Science Week 2019.
36 372019 SCIENCE GALLERY DUBLIN ANNUAL REVIEW
Communications 10
National and International Coverage Highlights in 2019 DIGITAL
In 2019, more than 350,000 visitors engaged with our COMMUNICATIONS 20 Minutos Galway Bay FM paper.li Website pageviews
793,751
exhibitions and events in person, but many more connected Advanced Textiles Source Galway Daily Physics World
with us across our digital channels. The Science Gallery National Coverage (AVE) Adworld GCN Radio Nova
Dublin website registered 240,500 visitors and 790,000
page views, which was an increase on the previous year. €23,000,000 BeastBooking.com
Best Travel Tale
GoldenPlec
Her.ie
Roads and Kingdoms
Roland Berger
Website unique visitors
Our social media channels also attracted new followers
in 2019. Instagram saw the largest increase, with a
— Increase of 105% from 2018
International Coverage (AVE)
BreakingNews.ie
Broadway World
Hot Press
Laois Tatler
RTÉ 2fm
RTÉ Lyric FM
262,541
37% increase on 2019. Facebook became an important Careers News I Love Limerick RTÉ One SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWERS
platform for extending our events programme beyond
the gallery, with a total of 54 days of viewing for our video
€41,400,000 Chemistry World
City Guide NY
Image
Ireland AM
RTÉ Radio 1
RTE.ie Facebook
— Increase of 118% from 2018
38,902
live streams. In 2020, we will be experimenting with new Computerwelt Ireland Before You Die SatoshiNakamotoBlog.com
formats and new approaches to digital engagement. Culture Trip Irish Central SchoolDays.ie
dailystockdish.com Irish Examiner Silicon Republic — Increase of 6% from 2018
Once again, the national and international media amplified DIY Magazine Irish Independent South East Radio FM
our content across print, broadcast, and online platforms. Twitter
Dublin City FM Irish Tech News STT Info
33,306
The total value of press for 2019 was €64.3m Advertising Dublin Digital Radio KCLR FM Tech Xplore
Value Equivalent (AVE), which is based on how much Dublin Gazette Kildare FM The Cultural
this coverage would cost if it was acquired through — Decrease of 0.3% from 2018
Dublin Live Labiotech The Detroit News
paid advertising. This breaks down as €23m in national Dublin People Leinster Leader The Dublin Tourist Guide Instagram
coverage and €41.4m in international coverage, both a Dublin South FM LePetitJournal.com The Echo
notable increase on our 2018 figures. These figures do
not include broadcast coverage, which included a 45
Dublin’s Q102
e konferencje
Lovin Dublin
MCD
The Irish Times
The Journal Gazette
9,376
— Increase of 37% from 2018
minute conversation on Liveline with Joe Duffy (RTÉ Radio East Coast Radio Medical Health News The Pheonix
1) discussing intimacy after death, a conversation about Echo Live Midlands 103 FM The Stage Online Video Views
PLASTIC on The Ryan Tubridy Show (RTÉ Radio 1), and
434,382
EIN Presswire My News Deck The Sunday Business Post
a chat about PERFECTION on Jenny Greene (RTÉ 2FM). El Imparcial Nature The Sunday TImes
Our media partnership with the Irish Times continued El Porvenir News Four TheJournal.ie — Decrease of 27% from 2018
to increase the visibility of our exhibition programme. elPlural NewsLive TheTravel.com
Event Live Stream Views
Entertainment.ie Newstalk Today FM
Eventa US
Financial Times
Northern Sound Radio
NUI Galway
Totally Dublin
UCD
18,457
FM 104 On Art and Aesthetics University Times Email Subscribers
Food & Wine Ireland Open Edition Virgin Media One
Fora Oxygen.ie WLR FM 14,038
— Decrease of 5% from 2018
38 392019 SCIENCE GALLERY DUBLIN ANNUAL REVIEW
Commercial Activity 11
Commercial revenue is a critical HIRE
In 2019, we welcomed many valued
CAFÉ
In May, Sodexo were appointed as the new
SHOP
Science Gallery Dublin is incredibly pleased
part of the income to Science Gallery clients to our recently upgraded hire third party café operator for Science Gallery to continue working with Designist, as the
spaces. We hosted the Trinity Employability Dublin. Science Gallery Café continued third party retail operator for our shop.
Dublin operations and consists of Award, which combines industry-led to provide exciting menu choices and a Designist already have a hugely successful
training in highly transferable soft and vibrant, welcoming atmosphere in 2019. independent premises on South Great
income from corporate hire, licensing, technical skills with a university-led George’s Street and have an aesthetic
ticketing and touring exhibitions. workshop to help students reflect on
and articulate their learning. We hosted
and ethos that complements our own.
One of our highlights this year was the Mary Mulvihill Awards, established The Science Gallery Shop continues to
surpass expectations, both in sales and
by the family and friends of the late
a new approach to commercial Mary Mulvihill (1959–2015) to honour customer interactions. Being located
in such a dynamic environment has
activity in partnership with Pfizer. her memory and her work in science
journalism, science communication and allowed Designist to experiment in terms
We worked with Pfizer to create heritage and to promote her legacy. We of the selection in the shop and tailor
their retail offering to match exhibitions,
welcomed the Provost’s Council Lunch,
We Are All Scientists, Science Gallery which brings together leading alumni events and conversations around
and friends of Trinity College Dublin. We science, art and technology in Science
Dublin’s first pop-up exhibition in the also hosted the HSE for the launch of the Gallery, Ireland and Internationally.
community. We Are All Scientists took HPV vaccine in August, with Minister for
Health Simon Harris in attendance.
Designist are an increasingly important
part of the Science Gallery experience. The
place in the CHQ Building as part of selection of products continues to reflect
Science Week 2019, and encouraged the ideas and themes being addressed in
our programme, and the book collection
visitors to explore the qualities and has been effective in connecting with and
inspiring our BOOK CLUB series. Designist
skills that can make us all scientists. continue to see strong sales of the Science
Gallery collection on their website, and they
have increased their sales per person in
the gallery by 147% on the previous year.
40 41You can also read
