Trustees

Welcome

Hello, my name is Pete Downes, Chairman of Dynamic Earth Charitable Trust. I joined Dynamic Earth as Chair in 2019. I have worked as a Professor of Biochemistry and university Principal, and have dedicated much of my career to the power that education and effective science communication, together, have to change lives. This is more important now than ever before, as we emerge from a global pandemic to address urgent challenges to our climate and ecology.

Dynamic Earth was opened in 1999 as the first science centre in Scotland with a focus on Earth and environmental science – in many ways, ahead of our time – and continues to be the only science centre in the UK focused primarily on the Earth and the environment. Back then, as now, we were thinking of how to excite and engage people of all ages to understand the science of our planet, the threats it faces and our special role in managing it responsibly. The millions of visitors who have come through our doors typically remember that we have our very own iceberg, or the shaking floor that recreates an earthquake, and we work hard to make science enjoyable and memorable through our fourteen galleries, planetarium, special exhibitions, and education, community and outreach programmes.

The importance of science could not be clearer as we continue to emerge from the pandemic and as we tackle the climate crisis. Our mission will continue to focus on educating and inspiring learners and visitors to empower people with an understanding and empathy for the Earth, creating a positive future for us and our planet. How we deliver these things may depend on you! We currently have the opportunity to invite a number of individuals to join our Board in voluntary non-executive roles. We welcome your inquiries and support for this vital mission, and let’s look forward to a great future…together.

Pete Downes
Chair, Dynamic Earth