Trinity’s Science Gallery Director Wins ‘Great Science Communicator’ Award

Posted on: 14 July 2014

Lynn Scarff, Interim Director of Science Gallery at Trinity College Dublin, was in the spotlight earlier this month when the Lundbeck Foundation awarded their prizes for best communication at the Euroscience Open Forum (ESOF) in Copenhagen. Hosted by Dublin in 2012, ESOF is Europe’s largest general science meeting occurring every two years, which aims to showcase the latest advances in science and technology, promote a dialogue on the role of science and technology in society and public policy, and to stimulate and provoke public interest, excitement and debate about science and technology.

All the participants in the science conference track Learning in the 21st Century were included in the competition. A committee of ‘secret shoppers’ selected three winners among the dedicated and enthusiastic scientists, teachers, students and institutions who shared their insights and opinions. Lynn received the award for her talk and facilitation of the panel session Art, Science and Innovation: Piloting New Modes of Public Interaction.

The judges noted Lynn’s “engaging dialogue with the audience and eye-opening and illustrative presentation of the work by Science Gallery at Trinity College Dublin – a dynamic model for public engagement with science, technology and innovation through a programme of exhibitions, events and workshops.”

Commenting on the award Lynn said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been awarded this honour by the Lundbeck Foundation. I am hugely passionate about Science Gallery’s mission to ignite creativity where art and science collide and believe deeply that the opportunity for cultural institutions, like Science Gallery to be open and creative platforms for young flexible thinkers is potentially very significant to the evolution of our cultural and academic institutions. Trinity College Dublin has shown great vision in its initiation of Science Gallery. It is really rewarding to have our work recognised by The Lundbeck Foundation which supports great scientific research and new models of public engagement.”

Jørgen Huno Rasmussen, chairman of the Lundbeck Foundation, which sponsored the conference track Learning in the 21st Century said: “It is our belief that the most important scientific theme of the conference is Learning in the 21st Century. Our focus is on funding communication and educational activities within the natural sciences, biomedicine and technology in order to emphasize the value of sharing research results and to encourage and inspire others to share knowledge.”