Dr Jenny Shipway is a Science Communicator based in Winchester, UK. Formerly Planetarium Manager and then Director of Learning and Participation at the Winchester Science Centre, she now pursues a diverse portfolio career.

Overview

Jenny has twenty years of experience working in and with Science Centres and Planetaria. This includes experience of delivery, development, coordination and management of a wide range of events and activities for both schools and the public.

She has worked on over a dozen fulldome film productions, including project management, storyboarding and script writing for some of the world’s best producers.

Jenny is Co-Chair of the International Planetarium Society (IPS) Education Committee, and the International Astronomical Union (IAU) National Outreach Co-ordinator for the UK. She is a former President of the British Association of Planetaria and former UK/Ireland rep on the IPS council.

Background:

After completing her PhD, Jenny spent a year as a NASA-funded protein biochemist at The Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California. Her research involved the design of molecules in an attempt to replicate the very first steps in the evolution of life on Earth.

She moved back to the UK in 2003 with a view to changing career path. A part-time MSc in Science Communication at the University of the West of England allowed her to work alongside her studies. She gained front-line experience as an Explainer/Presenter in the At-Bristol Science Centre, and in schools with Explorer Dome mobile planetarium.

In 2005, she took a full-time Officer position in At-Bristol, developing and delivering public programmes. In early 2007, she moved to the University of Cambridge to administer, develop and deliver the Hands-on Maths Roadshow across the UK and Ireland.

In December 2007, Jenny joined Winchester Science Centre (then trading as INTECH), as Planetarium Manager for a new planetarium to open in 2008. This exciting role included development and delivery of all dome operations and programming, including live presentations. The planetarium welcomed over 85,000 visitors in its first year.

She developed a varied public events programme for the Centre and became involved with fulldome film productions. She grew the planetarium team from one person to three. Planetarium visitors grew to over 100,000 per annum.

In 2011, she joined the British Association of Planetaria council, initially as interim Treasurer and then as President. During this time she also served as British and Irish Representative on the International Planetarium Society council.

In 2015, Jenny's responsibilities were extended to lead Winchester Science Centre's Education Team, in the creation of a new role overseeing all educational aspects of the Science Centre. School visitor numbers increased by over 20% over two years and public holiday activities were professionalised.

In 2017, she left the Science Centre to pursue a portfolio career.