GOVERNING BOARD

Kim Gladstone Herlev, Experimentarium, Denmark

Chairperson of the Nordic Science Centre Association (NSCA) and CEO of Experimentarium in Copenhagen. He has more than 25 years of experience in leadership, strategy, and organizational development within science centres, learning, and the communication of science and technology. Kim has led the extensive transformation of Experimentarium into an internationally recognized science centre, including a major new building project and the development of groundbreaking exhibitions. For him, solidarity and collaboration between the Nordic and Baltic countries are a highly important priority.

Kitija Kuduma-Berzina, Science and Education Innovation Center of Liepaja Education Department, Latvia

Several years of experience in non-formal education, particularly in robotics, as well as in the fundamentals of visual programming and 3D modelling. Research interests focus on solutions for innovative learning environments beyond formal education, with a strong emphasis on non-discrimination and equal access. Completed a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) principles-based program in computer-aided design and digital fabrication at Aalto FabLab, Finland. Currently works at the municipal level, representing the interests of the education sector. Sees their contribution to the board in openness to developing organizational processes to strengthen the association.

kitija.kuduma-berzina@liepaja.edu.lv

Pilvi Kolk, AHHAA Science Centre , Estonia

Deputy Director of the AHHAA Science Centre in Estonia. She oversees finance, personnel management, the science centre shop, exhibition design, and marketing. She holds a BA in Art History and an MBA in Public Administration, as well as a vocational degree in tourism sector marketing and development. She has been a member of the ECSITE Board for six years and has served as President and Board Member of the NSCA. For ten years, she has also been a member of the Scientific Board of the University of Tartu Museum. She has more than 20 years of experience in science communication and exhibition curating and has acted as a project leader in numerous international and national science education projects.

Pilvi.Kolk@ahhaa.ee

Mykolas Bistrickas, Energetikos ir technikos muziejus, Lithuania

Director of the Energy and Technology Museum. He has an engineering background and ten years of leadership and management experience. He is goal- and results-oriented and believes that a clear plan helps achieve results faster by identifying where processes can be optimized or shortened. He has experience in the engineering sector, including design and manufacturing, as well as in teaching students. He has contributed to the construction of multiple buildings and has briefly led infrastructure development for the capital city of Lithuania.  Mykolas strongly believes that art and culture are worth more than money and that the cultural sector should never be undervalued or exploited. His personal motto reflects an active approach to life: Life is too short to be sad and wait for things to move. You have to move them yourself — and then remember to enjoy the results. Work hard, play hard.

mykolas@etm.lt

Guðrún J. Bachmann, Vísindasmiðjan, Iceland

Director of the Visindasmidjan Science Center in Reykjavík and former Head of Science Engagement Projects at the University of Iceland (UI). She holds an MSc degree in Science Communication from UWE Bristol, United Kingdom. Gudrun has worked at the University of Iceland since 2001. Prior to that, she served as Marketing Director of the Icelandic National Theatre from 1993 to 2001. Earlier in her career, she worked in communication, event management, copywriting, teaching, farming, and other fields. Among her science engagement projects at the University of Iceland are the University Train, the University for the Young, the First LEGO League competition, and her involvement in the Biophilia educational project (2011–2016), which integrated music, science, technology, and creativity. Gudrun has participated in numerous European and Nordic science engagement projects, both as a coordinator and as a partner. Since 2021, she has been responsible for the preparation, planning, and design of a new University of Iceland Science Center, Visindaheimar, located in the former University Cinema in Reykjavík. She has been a member of the Nordic Science Centre Association (NSCA) Board since 2014, with short breaks.

gudrunba@hi.is

Vesa Lepistö, Heureka, Finland

Vesa has a background in urban planning and later completed a master’s degree in futures studies. He first joined Heureka as an exhibition designer in 1996. In between, he worked for six years as a product development manager at a telecommunications operator. In 2005, he returned to Heureka as an exhibition producer and has since led numerous exhibition projects. He later moved into the role of Head of Exhibitions and, for the past three years, has served as Experience Director, responsible for experience design and production at Heureka. He is interested in people and society, as well as in the technologies that serve them. He views technological development as breathtaking and hopes that society will be able to transition to sustainable development during this century. Achieving this will require new knowledge and technologies, alongside political action. This, in turn, calls for smarter and more informed citizens, highlighting the important role of science centres and the engaging experiences they provide. Vesa believes that we shape the future, and that the significance of this role depends on our activity and competence.

Vesa.Lepisto@heureka.fi

Safina de Klerk, Oslo Science Center/ Teknisk museum, Norway

Director of the Oslo Science Center, where she works to make STEM engaging and accessible for diverse audiences through hands-on, inquiry-driven experiences. Her work focuses on strategy, partnerships, and business development, connecting institutions, funders, and stakeholders to strengthen impact, sustainability, and reach.

Safina is particularly interested in supporting science centres in sharpening their value propositions, developing scalable concepts, and building stronger collaboration models across the Nordic–Baltic region. She brings a pragmatic, results-oriented perspective to organizational development, balancing long-term strategic direction with practical implementation.

She is committed to inclusive learning environments where young people feel confident to explore, experiment, and learn through doing. As a member of the Nordic Science Centre Association (NSCA) Governing Board, she aims to support shared strategic priorities, member value, and cross-border knowledge-sharing.

Safina.deKlerk@tekniskmuseum.no