HOW TO JOIN THE NETWORK
Through Science Gallery, your institution will shape the next generation of science and technology trailblazers.
To express interest in joining the Science Gallery Network:
Review the membership criteria and benefits in our Network prospectus.
Prepare a one page submission signed by the senior leadership of your university outlining interest and suitability.
Send it to the Executive Director of Science Gallery International, Sarah Durcan, at membership@sciencegallery.org
Our Network Membership Brochure
MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA
Applicants hoping to join the Network should meet these criteria.
Please read the criteria below carefully before submitting your application.
1. Standing of the university
This includes the ranking of the university (THE; QS), a strong presence in humanities/arts and science/technology, a highly international outlook and/or a renowned specialization.
2. Commitment to operational resources & provision of space, finances, and staff
Members must:
Commit to an annual membership contribution of €100,000* and to funding of Science Gallery activities in the range of €400,000 to €1M for the first three years, with a temporary public space and staffing levels for this initial phase. Science Gallery International does not provide funding to its members.
*This contribution is scaled depending on geographic location.Commit to eventually providing a permanent space for Science Gallery activities of approx 1,500 sq.m to include exhibition space, cafe, studio/meeting space, retail and offices. Indicative ongoing operational costs are in region of €1-2.2M pa (depending on local economic conditions).
Commit to ensuring sufficient staff numbers to develop and operate Science Gallery.
3. Location & Population (complementary to current network)
A city with a dynamic population that can sustain a Science Gallery, and an active community of potential visitors, funders, collaborators, speakers, researchers, mission-related groups etc. that feed into a Gallery, its exhibitions and events.
A location that complements and adds something distinctive to the network.
On mutual agreement a formal application from the leadership of the institution is then submitted to SGI.
Outcome: SGI assesses and approves the application, and the member signs the development and membership agreement.
Next Steps on Approval of Membership
Phase 1: Development (~36 - 48 months)
Development of at least one Science Gallery exhibition per year with related events and programs.
Access to Science Gallery licences, know-how and trademarks.
Use of the Network’s bespoke online platforms for training and onboarding of staff, and artists/researchers database: CONNECT, ELEVATE and OPEN CALL platforms
Visits to other galleries in the Network & learning opportunities between Network members
Materials are provided to the member staff and leadership and their consultant(s) to assist with the preparation of any detailed feasibility studies / business plans required. SGI will provide feasibility studies from other nodes, comparative capital and operational projections and actuals from other nodes, along with ongoing support and consultation
Oversight group for the project appointed
Key staff are hired
Plans for space/venue progress, with local fundraising campaign as necessary
Participation in Network-wide events
Establishment of evaluation and impact assessment processes
Phase 2: Capital Project
Detailed feasibility study for capital project prepared locally with input from SGI
Location selection and approval (Location approved by SGI)
Head of Project Delivery appointed
Architectural, planning and building/fit-out process, with input from SGI into brief and selection
Capital project fundraising as necessary
Phase 3: Open Doors
Activation of full year-round programming, education projects, network collaborations, international projects
Ongoing evaluation and impact assessment
Documentation and reporting of projects
Full team in place and trained
Membership of Network Directors’ Forum
Throughout all these phases SGI provides the following supports:
Provides ongoing support for training and learning resources
Provides assistance with global marketing, and coordination of activities of Network members
SGI maintains Network digital platforms, including CONNECT, Google Apps and other resources
Secretariat for Directors’ Forum and convening of Network-wide events.
Brand protection & evolution
WHY JOIN THE NETWORK?
Members of the Science Gallery Network reimagine what education looks like in the 21st century.
The challenges of our time can only be addressed through innovative thinking, the alignment of expertise across disciplines and borders, and the activation of future generations of artists, researchers and technology trailblazers.
Our vision is of a thriving, diverse, influential and interconnected network, serving its communities through facilitating multidisciplinary art-science practices, by shaping public discourse around their impact, and convening conversations that drive cultural change.
Our strength as a network lies in our members. Each member gallery is a place of disruptive creativity and collaboration, with emphasis on its local and youth communities.
Our initiatives are increasingly youth-led and centred. We are committed to empowering the next generation to tackle pressing global challenges with innovative thinking and open dialogue, bolstering their hope and resilience.
All Network members have exclusive access to Science Gallery tools and resources, state of the art technology and digital platforms; unique learning and knowledge exchange; peer support; mobility programmes, and much more – enabling a truly global learning experience for university faculty, students and researchers and the local community..
Attracting Students & Enhancing Student Experience
Student recruitment (10% of new entrants say that Science Gallery Dublin played a role in their choice to study at Trinity College Dublin)
Student skills development (e.g. by undertaking an interdisciplinary course of study through Science Gallery, employment programmes, intensive secondary school workshops, youth advisory committee members)
Opportunities for student mobility and exchanges
Cultivating Innovation Research, Collaboration and Outreach
Provides a platform for research by engaging researchers in programme development and stimulating transdisciplinary and collaborative research projects, locally and internationally through the Network
Activates researchers’ communication, confidence and leadership skills
Direct engagement with the public reshapes research questions and parameters, sharpening focus and enabling bolder ideas
Facilitates the collection of larger and more diverse data samples through research and experiments conducted in Science Gallery
Connects universities with an extensive network of young leaders and international thought leaders from the worlds of science, art, technology, design, engineering and medicine – the Science Gallery Leonardos.
Strengthening Profile, Reputation and International Recognition of the University
Extensive media coverage in leading and trend-shaping media
Exponential increase in online conversation and content generation
International exhibition touring
Association with other leading universities
Association with recognised world-leader in art-science public engagement
Heightened international standing and co-operation
Engaging Local Communities and Empowering Young People
Allows the public to engage in real research happening in the university in a relaxed, sociable environment
As a youth-focused brand, Science Gallery provides a channel to speak to 15-30 year olds about science in a non-academic and accessible way
Enables the university to connect with and build a community of scientific and creative people beyond its own
Provides a channel for the public to contribute to idea development, creating a sense of ownership and community connected to the university
Generating New Income, Corporate & Philanthropic Relationships
Provides a new, dynamic platform for corporate and alumni engagement
Provides access to new streams of private, philanthropic, institutional and government funding
Generates new earned income streams, broadening scope of commercial activities
Provides material evidence (both in terms of documentation and evaluation) of public outreach for corporate and specialised funders
Driving Cutting-Edge Conversations for a Changing World
Science Gallery takes part in major, global conversations about youth participation, skills and the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Science Gallery serves as a physical focus and catalyst for innovation, bringing a contemporary, networked, digitally engaged centre to the university campus
Science Gallery activates innovation districts, bringing together experts from many disciplines to undertake radically innovative projects.