Emory University joins the Science Gallery Network

This new alliance delivers on our goal of eight partners by 2020 – bringing the total investment in the eight galleries by our partner universities to €180 million, and over 5 million visitors since 2008.

Science Gallery International today (16.01.20) announced that Atlanta-based Emory University, one of the world’s leading research universities, will become the latest member of its global network of Science Gallery locations. The announcement was made at a signing ceremony held in Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, home of the world’s first Science Gallery location. 

Andrea Bandelli, Executive Director of Science Gallery International; Deborah W. Bruner, Senior Vice President for Research at Emory University; Provost Patrick Prendergast of Trinity College Dublin; Melanie Lawrence, Chief Business Officer for Research at Emory University; Kevin Karnes, Vice Provost for the Arts, Emory University; Sarah Durcan, Global Operations Manager at Science Gallery International.

Emory University joins Science Gallery International’s existing network of top universities in Dublin, London, Detroit, Melbourne, Venice, Bengaluru, and Rotterdam. Developed by Dublin-based Science Gallery International, this network of galleries based in leading universities across four continents brings together science, art, technology and design to deliver world-class educational and cultural experiences for young people. The galleries, pop-up programmes and touring exhibitions have reached millions of 15-25 year olds with inspiring and participative transdisciplinary programmes – featuring emerging research and ideas from the worlds of art, science, design and technology. Over 5 million people have visited Science Gallery worldwide since opening in Dublin in 2008, and the universities have invested €180 million total to date in the network of galleries.

Today’s announcement delivers on the organisation’s ‘Eight by 2020’ goal, further expanding its global reach. Speaking at the announcement, Executive Director of Science Gallery International, Dr. Andrea Bandelli, said: “Science Gallery International is delighted to welcome Emory University into our network of gallery locations. We are excited for what the future holds for it and for the scientific and artistic communities in Atlanta and across Georgia. This signing is a very special moment for Science Gallery International – it is our second Science Gallery location in the United States and realises our ambitious goal of having eight global partners by 2020. This achievement demonstrates the international appetite for the Science Gallery concept – in which science and the humanities work together, and one which was homegrown in Ireland and exported across the world. 

Provost Patrick Prendergast of Trinity College Dublin; Andrea Bandelli, Executive Director of Science Gallery International; Fiona McLoon, Mediator at Science Gallery Dublin; Deborah W. Bruner, Senior Vice President for Research at Emory University; Kevin Karnes, Vice Provost for the Arts, Emory University.

“Now, more than ever, creative solutions are required to address pressing scientific issues and, with the help of our supportive university partners across the world, Science Gallery International is proud to be at the vanguard of facilitating dialogue, collaboration, ideas and action at the interface of art and science, and design and technology. Science Gallery International’s eyes are trained squarely on the future, and we are in talks for further collaboration with other prospective university partners to ensure that people from all corners of the globe can access, participate in, learn from and enjoy the Science Gallery concept.”

The signing ceremony was attended by representatives of Trinity, including the Provost, Dr. Patrick Prendergast, and a visiting delegation from Emory University. 

Emory president Claire E. Sterk said “At Emory, we believe in harnessing our teaching and research excellence to kindle critical thinking and address global challenges. That’s what Science Gallery is all about. We view this gallery as a place where creativity, scholarship, and service can come together to help make a brighter future for all.”

Senior Vice President for Research at Emory University, Dr. Deborah W. Bruner, who was instrumental in bringing Science Gallery to Atlanta, said: “Emory is excited to introduce Science Gallery to Atlanta. We believe this immersive, multi-dimensional experience will foster a dynamic new model for engaging with our students, faculty, and the city at large. By bringing together the arts and sciences in ways that delight, clarify and stimulate, Science Gallery Atlanta will build our understanding of complex issues and yield better outcomes for our world in light of pressing global challenges. It will further Atlanta’s reputation as a destination for innovation in the arts and sciences.”

As Science Gallery’s global growth continues, its Dublin location remains at the fore of innovation for the organisation, with regional engagement and outreach within the local community a priority. Science Gallery Dublin will take its current exhibition, PLASTIC on a national tour after it finishes in Trinity later in 2020. Visiting Drogheda, Wexford, Letterkenny, Galway and Limerick, it is the first time a Science Gallery exhibition will undertake such a tour, and reflects Science Gallery’s commitment to bringing the work of its network members to as wide and diverse an audience as possible.