The founder of Scotland’s first science and discovery centre has retired.
Lesley Glasser has helped spread her love of science to generations of children visiting the Satrosphere in Aberdeen since it first opened in 1990.
More than a million people have passed through the beloved centre’s doors since then, both at its old premises on Justice Mill Lane and at the new Constitution Street premises.
Now 83-year-old Dr Glasser, who was made an MBE in 1997 for services to science and engineering, has decided to step down from the board of directors, after 26 “tremendous” years.
Yesterday, she looked back at the changes over the years and revealed some of her favourite hands-on experiments.
“Back when we started Satrosphere, all the experiments we created to show different scientific concepts were very hand made, but the children didn’t care,” she said.
“We always wanted it to be hands-on. I was not interested in starting a science centre that was just books to read, it had to be a place where people could get involved and learn something from the experiments.
“I’ve made and helped to make so many over the years, but off the top of my head I think my favourite experiment was one that showed how a fish can’t see out of water because of how light bends through the water. It was so tricky to put together – we could never get the mirrors to sit right.”
And although the centre has become hugely popular with both families and schools, Dr Glasser said when the team were first starting out it had been hard to show potential backers the project was “worthwhile”.
“People didn’t realise what we were trying to do,” she said. “We opened on a shoe string, if I was wiser back then I think we would have opened once we had a bit more backing, but we couldn’t explain to people what it was we were trying to do.
“Eighty-three isn’t a bad age to retire, and I’m so proud of what Satrosphere has become since then.”
Liz Hodge, chief executive officer of Satrosphere, said: “Lesley Glasser has made a truly outstanding contribution to the centre. Our dedicated staff, strong and involved Board of Directors and partners will continue her work to develop innovative, engaging and exciting programmes for all members of the community.”
Dr Glasser, who previously worked in Aberdeen University’s chemistry department, is also to be recognised at the Scottish Parliament for her efforts after Donside MSP Mark McDonald put forward a motion.