Andrea Bandelli, executive director, Science Gallery International
Is science too straight? This was the provocative title of an article published by Boston University last year, revealing how the STEM field has a problem when it comes to sexual orientation and gender identity. Shaun O’Boyle, a science communicator from Ireland, puts it clearly: “While the scientific process treats all data equally, science does not treat all scientists equally.” For LGBT+ people, studying and working in a STEM organisation often means lying about their sexual and gender identity, being afraid of coming out, and missing out on mentorship and support. And research shows LGBT students in STEM are less likely to finish their studies compared to their peers.
Yet it is well documented that more diversity and inclusion in STEM means better science. Science engagement organisations already play a fundamental role to strengthen diversity and inclusion in STEM education and are at the forefront when it comes to developing innovative approaches to gender balance, social inclusion and widening participation. Science engagement organisations get in direct contact with millions of young people and provide professional development opportunities.
This is why Ecsite, together with some of the world’s leading science institutions and societies, supports the first ever International Day of LGBT in STEM on 5 July. The day is an opportunity and an instrument to celebrate all LGBT+ people working and studying in STEM, to give visibility to the community and to be part of a global push to increase diversity and inclusion. Anybody can take part. It’s one day that can change a lifetime.
People profile: Damien Hirst
Turner Prize-winning artist Damien Hirst exhibits a series of spot paintings and huge sculptures at a Norfolk stately home
People profile: Penka Kouneva
Movie and video game composer Penka Kouneva moves into the world of attractions with the Heroes and Legends exhibit and VR installations
Industry Opinion: Zoos & Aquariums
WAZA’s Sabrina Brando on providing animals with opportunities for choices, stimulating environments and enriching activities
Interview: Sultan Al Dhaheri
With the launch of Warner Bros World and
the Louvre in Abu Dhabi, the Department
of Culture and Tourism’s Sultan Al Dhaheri
explains how investing in attractions is
helping the emirate meet its tourism goals
Animal sanctuaries: Paws for Thought
The UK’s Big Cat Sanctuary is the subject
of a recent BBC documentary. Managing
director Giles Clark explains how the
facility works – and introduces Maya
the jaguar and Willow the cheetah
Science Centres: Getting Engaged
Researchers Dr Amy Seakins and
Dr Heather King explain how science
capital empowers science centres
to engage wider audiences in STEM,
plus European initiatives in action
Digital art: Light Fantastic
Tokyo-based digital art collective teamLab is
on a mission to change the way we interact
with and experience art. Magali Robathan
reports on the group’s installation work
and their upcoming museum launch
Andrea Bandelli, executive director, Science Gallery International
Is science too straight? This was the provocative title of an article published by Boston University last year, revealing how the STEM field has a problem when it comes to sexual orientation and gender identity. Shaun O’Boyle, a science communicator from Ireland, puts it clearly: “While the scientific process treats all data equally, science does not treat all scientists equally.” For LGBT+ people, studying and working in a STEM organisation often means lying about their sexual and gender identity, being afraid of coming out, and missing out on mentorship and support. And research shows LGBT students in STEM are less likely to finish their studies compared to their peers.
Yet it is well documented that more diversity and inclusion in STEM means better science. Science engagement organisations already play a fundamental role to strengthen diversity and inclusion in STEM education and are at the forefront when it comes to developing innovative approaches to gender balance, social inclusion and widening participation. Science engagement organisations get in direct contact with millions of young people and provide professional development opportunities.
This is why Ecsite, together with some of the world’s leading science institutions and societies, supports the first ever International Day of LGBT in STEM on 5 July. The day is an opportunity and an instrument to celebrate all LGBT+ people working and studying in STEM, to give visibility to the community and to be part of a global push to increase diversity and inclusion. Anybody can take part. It’s one day that can change a lifetime.
People profile: Damien Hirst
Turner Prize-winning artist Damien Hirst exhibits a series of spot paintings and huge sculptures at a Norfolk stately home
People profile: Penka Kouneva
Movie and video game composer Penka Kouneva moves into the world of attractions with the Heroes and Legends exhibit and VR installations
Industry Opinion: Zoos & Aquariums
WAZA’s Sabrina Brando on providing animals with opportunities for choices, stimulating environments and enriching activities
Interview: Sultan Al Dhaheri
With the launch of Warner Bros World and
the Louvre in Abu Dhabi, the Department
of Culture and Tourism’s Sultan Al Dhaheri
explains how investing in attractions is
helping the emirate meet its tourism goals
Animal sanctuaries: Paws for Thought
The UK’s Big Cat Sanctuary is the subject
of a recent BBC documentary. Managing
director Giles Clark explains how the
facility works – and introduces Maya
the jaguar and Willow the cheetah
Science Centres: Getting Engaged
Researchers Dr Amy Seakins and
Dr Heather King explain how science
capital empowers science centres
to engage wider audiences in STEM,
plus European initiatives in action
Digital art: Light Fantastic
Tokyo-based digital art collective teamLab is
on a mission to change the way we interact
with and experience art. Magali Robathan
reports on the group’s installation work
and their upcoming museum launch
Expo 2030 Riyadh is being planned as a permanent visitor destination, with organisers
confirming the six-million-square-metre site will become a Global Village after the event closes.
The owner of one of Australia's best-known waterparks has acquired a major competitor,
creating a new attractions business spanning two of the country's largest visitor destinations.
The Toverland theme park in the Netherlands has announced a €98m expansion programme
that will add a resort, new attractions and staff facilities as it pursues plans to become a multi-
day destination.
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package
that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
A new immersive attraction designed to transport visitors into the final hours of ancient Pompeii
is preparing to open near the world-famous archaeological site in southern Italy.
Experience design company, BRC Imagination Arts, has completed a transition that sees founder
Bob Rogers pass ownership of the business to four long-serving senior executives, while
remaining actively involved with the company.
Movie Park Germany has opened a new Paramount Pictures-themed attraction as part of its 30th
anniversary celebrations, using immersive storytelling and adaptive reuse to reinforce the park’s
longstanding “Hollywood in Germany” positioning.
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions
that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once
complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK.
Efteling has opened Hooghmoed, a new family drop tower designed to broaden the appeal of its
recently launched Sirene Island themed area and introduce younger visitors to thrill attractions.
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’
planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–
Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism inv
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