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Andrea Bandelli, executive director, Science Gallery International
Is science too straight? This was the provocative title of an article published by Boston University last year, revealing how the STEM field has a problem when it comes to sexual orientation and gender identity. Shaun O’Boyle, a science communicator from Ireland, puts it clearly: “While the scientific process treats all data equally, science does not treat all scientists equally.” For LGBT+ people, studying and working in a STEM organisation often means lying about their sexual and gender identity, being afraid of coming out, and missing out on mentorship and support. And research shows LGBT students in STEM are less likely to finish their studies compared to their peers.
Yet it is well documented that more diversity and inclusion in STEM means better science. Science engagement organisations already play a fundamental role to strengthen diversity and inclusion in STEM education and are at the forefront when it comes to developing innovative approaches to gender balance, social inclusion and widening participation. Science engagement organisations get in direct contact with millions of young people and provide professional development opportunities.
This is why Ecsite, together with some of the world’s leading science institutions and societies, supports the first ever International Day of LGBT in STEM on 5 July. The day is an opportunity and an instrument to celebrate all LGBT+ people working and studying in STEM, to give visibility to the community and to be part of a global push to increase diversity and inclusion. Anybody can take part. It’s one day that can change a lifetime.
People profile: Damien Hirst
Turner Prize-winning artist Damien Hirst exhibits a series of spot paintings and huge sculptures at a Norfolk stately home
People profile: Penka Kouneva
Movie and video game composer Penka Kouneva moves into the world of attractions with the Heroes and Legends exhibit and VR installations
Industry Opinion: Zoos & Aquariums
WAZA’s Sabrina Brando on providing animals with opportunities for choices, stimulating environments and enriching activities
Interview: Sultan Al Dhaheri
With the launch of Warner Bros World and
the Louvre in Abu Dhabi, the Department
of Culture and Tourism’s Sultan Al Dhaheri
explains how investing in attractions is
helping the emirate meet its tourism goals
Animal sanctuaries: Paws for Thought
The UK’s Big Cat Sanctuary is the subject
of a recent BBC documentary. Managing
director Giles Clark explains how the
facility works – and introduces Maya
the jaguar and Willow the cheetah
Science Centres: Getting Engaged
Researchers Dr Amy Seakins and
Dr Heather King explain how science
capital empowers science centres
to engage wider audiences in STEM,
plus European initiatives in action
Digital art: Light Fantastic
Tokyo-based digital art collective teamLab is
on a mission to change the way we interact
with and experience art. Magali Robathan
reports on the group’s installation work
and their upcoming museum launch
Le Atelier by C.O.D.E. doesn't offer a standard bespoke service, it provides a highly
customised approach to designing massage beds and loungers in high-end wellness
environments. [more...]
Andrea Bandelli, executive director, Science Gallery International
Is science too straight? This was the provocative title of an article published by Boston University last year, revealing how the STEM field has a problem when it comes to sexual orientation and gender identity. Shaun O’Boyle, a science communicator from Ireland, puts it clearly: “While the scientific process treats all data equally, science does not treat all scientists equally.” For LGBT+ people, studying and working in a STEM organisation often means lying about their sexual and gender identity, being afraid of coming out, and missing out on mentorship and support. And research shows LGBT students in STEM are less likely to finish their studies compared to their peers.
Yet it is well documented that more diversity and inclusion in STEM means better science. Science engagement organisations already play a fundamental role to strengthen diversity and inclusion in STEM education and are at the forefront when it comes to developing innovative approaches to gender balance, social inclusion and widening participation. Science engagement organisations get in direct contact with millions of young people and provide professional development opportunities.
This is why Ecsite, together with some of the world’s leading science institutions and societies, supports the first ever International Day of LGBT in STEM on 5 July. The day is an opportunity and an instrument to celebrate all LGBT+ people working and studying in STEM, to give visibility to the community and to be part of a global push to increase diversity and inclusion. Anybody can take part. It’s one day that can change a lifetime.
People profile: Damien Hirst
Turner Prize-winning artist Damien Hirst exhibits a series of spot paintings and huge sculptures at a Norfolk stately home
People profile: Penka Kouneva
Movie and video game composer Penka Kouneva moves into the world of attractions with the Heroes and Legends exhibit and VR installations
Industry Opinion: Zoos & Aquariums
WAZA’s Sabrina Brando on providing animals with opportunities for choices, stimulating environments and enriching activities
Interview: Sultan Al Dhaheri
With the launch of Warner Bros World and
the Louvre in Abu Dhabi, the Department
of Culture and Tourism’s Sultan Al Dhaheri
explains how investing in attractions is
helping the emirate meet its tourism goals
Animal sanctuaries: Paws for Thought
The UK’s Big Cat Sanctuary is the subject
of a recent BBC documentary. Managing
director Giles Clark explains how the
facility works – and introduces Maya
the jaguar and Willow the cheetah
Science Centres: Getting Engaged
Researchers Dr Amy Seakins and
Dr Heather King explain how science
capital empowers science centres
to engage wider audiences in STEM,
plus European initiatives in action
Digital art: Light Fantastic
Tokyo-based digital art collective teamLab is
on a mission to change the way we interact
with and experience art. Magali Robathan
reports on the group’s installation work
and their upcoming museum launch
A recent survey by the UK Spa Association (UKSA) into the industry’s approach to cancer care
has revealed that almost half of participating respondents (46 per cent) are unaware that
cancer is a disability and guests with a cancer diagnosis must be given
Mexican operator, Solmar Hotels and Resorts, is hosting a series of events in celebration of
Global Wellness Day, including a Temazcal ceremony at its Playa Grande Resort and Spa in Los
Cabos.
Mandarin Oriental has announced a standalone residence brand, Mansions, which will debut at
Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental Mansions, Abu Dhabi, in 2029.
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai in Hoi An, Vietnam, has put together a Global Wellness Day
(GWD) agenda with activations rooted in nature and shaped by four pillars of Joy – in
alignment with the day’s theme #JoyMagenta.
The Global Wellness Summit (GWS) will celebrate its 20th anniversary at the 2026 event in
Phuket, Thailand, later this year with the theme: The Science, Art and Soul of Wellness.
Auko, an all-inclusive development, is opening in Phong Nha in Vietnam in Q3 2026, with a
series of 30 tented eco-lodges and wellness hospitality operations by Lumina Wellbeing.
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions
that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once
complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK.
Naples Beach Club, a Four Seasons Resort, has opened a 2,800sq m spa called The Sanctuary,
with the design and concept inspired by the Native American people that populated Florida’s
Southwest coast – the Calusa.
Le Atelier by C.O.D.E. doesn't offer a standard bespoke service, it provides a highly
customised approach to designing massage beds and loungers in high-end wellness
environments. [more...]
