Museum boss looking ahead to action-packed 2025

The director of Bradford’s National Science and Media Museum is overseeing a huge makeover of the site ahead of the City of Culture 2025 year. 

The museum will re-open to the public after 18 months in January 2025, revealing a transformed ground floor and visitor welcome. As this momentous year builds, the museum’s offer will expand to give visitors new and exciting opportunities, from state-of-the-art collections displays to ground-breaking temporary exhibitions. The £6 million project also creates an additional passenger lift, enabling the museum to welcome many more visitors with ease. 

Jo moved to Bradford’s then-named National Media Museum in 2013. Since then, her focus has been to forge partnerships across the city, including with the University of Bradford, positioning the museum – part of the Science Museum Group - as a centre of excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning. 

She led a relaunch of the renamed and rebranded National Science and Media Museum in spring 2017, accompanied by the launch of a new Wonderlab gallery, communicating the concepts behind sound and vision technologies in fun and engaging ways.

She has now seen her dedication to Bradford recognised after being named as an Honorary Doctor of the University, given ‘In recognition of demonstrating significant impact on the City and beyond, and contribution to STEM in partnership with the University.’

Making a difference 

Jo, 57, said: “We’re pretty busy at the moment and all for a good reason. 

“The museum is a key venue right in the heart of the city centre and its cultural quarter, alongside the Alhambra and Bradford Live. And of course, there are plenty of other venues across the city and district - all of which will play key roles during 2025.

“We have a national remit, but we are proudly located in Bradford and working to be a museum that is strongly embedded in its place. The work of the museum can make a difference in people’s lives; we can raise people’s aspirations and provide inspiration; give them opportunities that they won’t get anywhere else.

“We are working to raise the profile of STEM across the city and the Bradford district, clearly signalling our commitment to engaging the next generation of engineers and creatives in science and technology.”

After growing up in Ilford and Coventry, Jo studied for a degree in Biological Sciences at the University of East Anglia. Her more than 27-year long career in museums started as a part-time explainer at the Science Museum in London while studying for her Master’s in Science Communication at Imperial College. Her subsequent full-time role at the museum included helping to deliver world-class galleries, exhibitions and innovative programmes. 

Jo moved to Cornwall where she led the curatorial and exhibitions teams for the launch of the National Maritime Museum Cornwall before eventually moving to Bradford in 2012.  

Jo said: “I am a scientist by training. I never expected to work in museums. I’m passionate about science, but I didn’t want to work in a lab. What excites me most is the communication of science.”

Jo’s attention is also turning towards Bradford 2025 and says the country can expect a district-wide, Bradford twist on the event. She added: “Bradford 2025 will be an incredible programme of art, culture and STEM activity. 

“Bradford will do the City of Culture differently and really stamp its mark on it. The organisers are working hard to make sure that there is something for everyone, just as we are striving to make our revamped museum relevant and accessible to a range of audiences. I’m looking forward to 2025 so much.”

‘Bradford is my home now’ 

Speaking on her University of Bradford honorary doctorate, Jo said: “It is a real honour and a big surprise. For me, it also feels part of the recognition of the journey that we have been on at the museum.

“I work with amazing people. They are the people creating the inspiring experiences. It’s a huge team effort.

“Bradford is my home now. I am really proud of having been welcomed and been part of the journey that Bradford is on. There is real momentum for the Bradford district.”

Asked what advice she had for her fellow graduates, Jo said: “Always take any opportunity that comes your way, even if you feel you might not be the right person for it. If people are asking you, they believe in you. Take the opportunities - be brave, you will probably surprise yourself.”