more about Steve Allman

My first foray into science communication was at London’s Science Museum in 1991 where I worked as an Explainer in the hands-on galleries, whilst completing my degree in Product Management at South Bank University.

I used my experiences working on Launch Pad to complete my dissertation about the effectiveness of written communication in a hands-on gallery. I found that few people read the labels and as a result helped refine and simplify the gallery interpretation.

By 1993 I was one of the pioneering presenters of live Science Shows using exciting and memorable demonstrations to inspire a generation of children (and adults!). I went on to produce many of the classic shows that you will still see at the Science Museum today.

Moving on within the Education department, I developed the Schools Events service – curriculum-linked talks and lectures for all ages. In the mid 1990s I also worked on exhibit development for new hands-on spaces including The Garden, Things and On Air.

Then, as Interactives Gallery Manager for all five of the Museum’s hands-on galleries, I was responsible for the maintenance and development of the exhibits and live science shows, and for managing and training the world-renowned Explainer team.

By the time I left the Science Museum in 2000 I had overseen the move of Launch Pad to its new home and the redesign, refurbishment and rebuilding of its much-loved exhibits.

My next challenge involved a move north to become Exhibits Manager for the Glasgow Science Centre, managing the development and installation of the 350 hands-on exhibits for this £74m purpose built venue. GSC opened in 2001 with an impressive 95% of the exhibits working at any one time, a feat rarely achieved in similar projects.

Since leaving GSC in 2002 I have focused on developing and presenting innovative and exciting learning events, details of which can be found on this website.