Dundee Science Centre has appointed of Jill Farrell (pictured above) as its new Chief Executive Officer to coincide with its 25th anniversary. Jill is replacing Isabel Bruce who retired after five successful years in the role.

Jill, who lives in Newport, is a circular economy and business development professional with over 20 years of experience in developing Scotland’s economy and promoting Scotland’s capabilities internationally.

Latterly the first Chief Operating Officer of Zero Waste Scotland, Jill was also the Chief Operating Officer of Scottish Enterprise Tayside for five years, delivering the Scottish Enterprise investment for the Dundee Waterfront redevelopment and developing the business case for V&A Dundee.

Jill also held the role of Director of Internationalisation at the University of Strathclyde, contributing to her international perspective and strong track record of delivering results through partnership working.

Led by a Board of Directors and a small, experienced Executive team, the Science Centre employs 40 staff and generates an annual income of around £1.5M through visitor revenue, grant funding and partnership work.

Through in-centre activities, community engagement, festivals and online engagement, the Centre engages with around 255,000 people each year compared to 70,000 five years ago.

Jill said, “I am thrilled to return to Tayside to take on this role at a time when the impact of science and technology is felt so acutely across all aspects of our lives, education, careers and communities.

The development of a new strategy for Dundee Science Centre and all of the exciting, planned initiatives across the city, including the brand new Dundee Tourism Strategy and Action Plan, present a great opportunity to work with companies, educators and communities.

Together, we will ensure that Dundee Science Centre builds on its successes over the last 25 years and puts the people, spaces and experiences in place to make science accessible to all.”

Welcoming Jill’s appointment, Paul Clancy, Chair of Dundee Science Centre added, “It has been my privilege to work with Isabel as a Board member and over the last two years as Chair of the Dundee Science Centre. I am now delighted to welcome Jill Farrell into the role of Chief Executive Officer.

I know that Jill is excited to be assuming responsibility for an organisation which is perfectly placed to play a full role in the many exciting developments happening in Dundee and the wider cities region.”