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We The Curious marks quarter century legacy with key appointment
We The Curious, the Bristol-based educational charity and science centre, has appointed AI specialist and board member Tom Betts as its new chair.
Betts will take over as chair of the board of trustees from Nick Jones, who has held the role since 2019.
In his new role, Betts will lead the charity towards its vision of creating a world where “everyone is included, curious, and inspired by science to build a better future together,” as it celebrates its quarter-century legacy.
is needed now More than ever
Jones, who has over 40 years of experience as an educator, steered We The Curious through some challenging times with vision and resolve.
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These included the global pandemic, which led to the centre’s closure for 14 months, and a fire that damaged the roof, forcing the centre’s closure for two years before it was reopened in July 2024 following extensive fire and water damage.
Despite these challenges, the charity’s mission continued, with the team delivering an ambitious “out and about” programme across Bristol. This initiative took We The Curious to schools, festivals, community centres, and more, offering over 270 free activities and reaching more than 37,000 people.
Donna Speed, chief executive of We The Curious, expressed her thanks to the outgoing chair, Jones, and welcomed Betts, highlighting his expertise in data technology as a “vital” asset for the charity’s future. She said: “I’d like to extend my thanks to Nick for everything he’s done for us here at We The Curious, both as a trustee and as chair.
“He has guided and supported us through some truly challenging times, and I’m grateful to have worked with him. I wish him all the best for the future.
“I’m also really excited that Tom is our new chair and feel very fortunate that he’s taking on this role. His experience in data technology and AI will be vital for positioning us as the science centre we aim to be for future generations.”
Betts brings a wealth of experience in digital technology, data, and AI, having worked across various sectors. He is a non-executive director at the UK Hydrographic Office and an advisor in the field of AI and cutting-edge technology applications.
A key figure in the digital transformation of the Financial Times, where he served as chief data officer and board member, Betts has also worked in education as vice president of data & analytics at Pearson, where he demonstrated how AI can enhance learning outcomes.
Tom Betts, the new chair of trustees at We The Curious, said: “It’s a great honour, and I am thrilled to take over as chair at We The Curious. Our successful reopening has given the organisation strong momentum to build upon as we celebrate the charity’s 25th anniversary.
“This anniversary offers a moment to reflect on all we’ve achieved over a quarter of a century, while also looking forward to the future and considering what a science centre should be in today’s rapidly changing technological world.
“We want to show that science is for everyone. It’s our mission to connect and empower people, to celebrate science, and to encourage curiosity – values that are more important than ever. I am excited to help guide We The Curious into its next chapter.”
We The Curious reopened in July 2024 after a two-year closure due to fire damage – photo: Martin Booth
In addition to the appointment of Betts, the board welcomes new members Amy Seakins, Annabelle Foot, Eilis Davis, and Sasha Pratt-Taweh, strengthening the board’s expertise in disability awareness, science industry research, and the performing arts.
We The Curious celebrates its 25th anniversary along with a network of science and discovery centres across the UK that were funded as part of the National Lottery Millennium Commission.
Main photo: Lisa Whiting
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