Wellcome Trust Capital Award to support Scottish centre for scientific engagement

The science and technology collections held by National Museums Scotland cover a remarkable range of time and subject areas, from scientific instruments made in the 11th century to cutting-edge 21st-century technology. Across the new galleries, real objects and engaging interpretation will tell inspiring stories about scientists, technologists and engineers including those with Scottish connections, past and present.

The Wellcome Trust's support will focus on biomedical science. The topics covered will include the science of genetics (where Dolly the sheep will be a focal point), the development of new pharmaceuticals (including the work of Scottish Nobel Laureate Sir James Black in developing beta-blockers and other medicines), and advances in prosthetics and body implants. Contemporary developments will be a key element of the displays, which will encourage debate and discussion.

Dr Gordon Rintoul, Director of National Museums Scotland, said: “Championing excellence and innovation, the new science and technology galleries will provide inspiration for the scientists and engineers of tomorrow. The generous support of the Wellcome Trust will enable us to reveal the richness and complexity of science, especially biomedical science, for our public, engaging and inspiring audiences for years to come.”

Clare Matterson, Director of Strategy at the Wellcome Trust, said: “From discovery to display, with plenty of debate along the way, the objects held in these collections represent some truly fascinating stories about biomedical science and those who helped to shape our understanding of it. The Wellcome Trust is delighted to support National Museums Scotland in the development of their new Science and Technology galleries, which will begin a new phase in the lives of these objects and provide a wonderful opportunity for the public to engage with the stories behind them.”

The content of the galleries is being guided by a Science Advisory Panel made up of leading independent experts, including Professor Sir John Savill, Vice Principal and Head of the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, and Chief Executive/Deputy Chair of the Medical Research Council. Professor Savill said: “The planned new galleries at the National Museum of Scotland will combine one of Europe’s most significant collections of science and technology artefacts with leading-edge modern practices in interpretation, design and programming.

"This support from the Wellcome Trust is a strong endorsement of those plans and moreover presents National Museums Scotland with a wonderful opportunity to create a unique platform for everyone - but particularly young people - to understand, engage with and draw inspiration from the biomedical sciences.”

An extensive new programme of activities and events will provide visitors with opportunities for deeper engagement with the science collections and scientific issues. These will support a vibrant new approach to gallery interpretation with a series of interactive, object-led and content-rich displays.

For families, a new strand of activity will introduce scientific concepts through a mixture of in-gallery demonstration, object handling and performance. Schools will be able to select a variety of activities from workshops and online learning programmes, and there will be opportunities to gain access to scientists and industry specialists for senior pupils who might consider scientific careers.

Peer-led gallery tours by and for young people will provide an opportunity for the development of science communication skills, and science-themed versions of the hugely popular Museum Lates programme will invite young people to engage with the collections in new and surprising ways in the evenings.

In addition, science-based events will bring together a range of speakers and practitioners. They will include talks and debates in the Learning Centre, in which experts will share their research and explore current scientific issues.

The six new galleries are part of a £14.1 million project that will create ten new galleries displaying National Museums Scotland’s internationally important collections of science and technology, decorative art, design, and fashion. Showcasing more than 3,500 objects, display space for these exhibits will increase by over 40 per cent, with three-quarters of them not having been on permanent display for generations.

In addition to the grant from the Wellcome Trust, major commitments have already been secured for the project from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Scottish Government, grants and donations. National Museums Scotland is continuing to work with individuals, trusts, foundations and the corporate sector to secure the remaining funds for the planned opening of the galleries in 2016.

The development is the third stage of an ambitious £80 million masterplan to restore the much-loved Victorian building to its former grandeur, reveal the remarkable treasures of National Museums Scotland’s collections and create inspiring visitor experiences. The second phase was completed and opened to the public in the summer of 2011, presenting 16 new galleries exploring the natural world and world cultures.