iSCAN Newsletter
Vol. 1 October 1996

iSCAN

Two main objectives arose from the 'Science Centres for Ireland' conference held in June 1996:

1. To set up a network of science centres in Ireland, both existing and proposed



2. To lobby for the establishment of a national science centre

The first objective is being realised by the setting up of the Irish Science Centres Association Network (iSCAN). An inaugural meeting was held in the RDS on 21st September and the following have agreed to serve on a provisional committee:

Mr Tadhg Condon, Science Works, Tralee
Mr John Daly, Chairman, Irish Science Teachers' Association (Hon. Tres.)
Dr John Donovan, Secretary, Irish Research Scientists' Association
Dr Ian Elliott, RDS and Dunsink Observatory (Chairman)
Dr Brendan Finucane, Forbairt and Ireland's Historic Science Centre at Birr
Mr John Flynn, Armagh Planetarium
Ms Rose Kevany / Ms Noo Wallis, Discovery
Dr Charles Mollan, Samton Ltd.,
Ms Caroline Nolan, Exploris, Portaferry, Co. Down (Meetings Secretary)
Ms Helen Perry, Pigeon House Heritage Project
Ms Carol Power, RDS Science Development Executive (Hon. Sec.)

 

iSCAN Membership

At a meeting of the iSCAN Provisional Committee on 19th October, it was proposed to have three categories of membership:

1. Ordinary Membership open to Irish science centres/museums/visitor attractions/organisations committed to fostering the public understanding of science. Each centre to nominate a representative and a deputy.
2. Individual Associate Membership open to individuals who support iSCAN's aims but who do not meet the criteria for ordinary membership.
3. Commercial Associate Membership open to firms/corporations/suppliers/consultants who support iSCAN's aims and wish to avail themselves of the benefits of membership. Each organisation to nominate a representative and a deputy.

It is proposed that the iSCAN Committee will consist of both Ordinary and Associate members provided that Ordinary Members form a majority.

A General Meeting of iSCAN is planned for the first weekend in March 1997 at the Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry, Co. Down when the proposals of the Provisional Committee will be put to the membership.

Blueprint for a National Science Centre

As a first step towards implementing the second objective, the RDS Science Committee has applied to Forfás for funds to commission a 'Blueprint' for a national science centre. Following informal contacts with members of the Conference Steering Group, Dr Joost Douma submitted a proposal for the preparation of 'A Blueprint for the National Science Centre of Ireland'. Dr Douma has considerable experience in the planning of science centres through his work on IMPULS, the Dutch National Science Centre and on the proposed Scottish National Science Centre. Dr Douma estimates that the Blueprint would take one month to complete.

It is hoped that the Blueprint and the Proceedings of the Conference can be presented to Mr Pat Rabbitte by Spring1997.

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