About Science Dome

a picture of neil carrington with his son sam inside one of our planetariums during setup

Our Story

Science Dome UK began as a heartfelt initiative by Neil Carrington, a geology and geography graduate from King’s College London. Motivated by his passion for science and education, Neil envisioned a mobile planetarium that could bring the wonders of the universe directly to schools and communities across the UK. In 2005, he turned this vision into reality by establishing Science Dome UK, offering immersive, curriculum-aligned experiences in astronomy, geology, and more. Neil’s dedication to making science accessible and engaging has been the cornerstone of the company’s mission, inspiring countless young minds to explore the natural world.

Expanding on this mission, Neil founded Science Zone UK in 2016, a community science centre located in Boscombe, Bournemouth. This centre serves as a hub for interactive learning, featuring life-size dinosaur models, sensory rooms, coding clubs, and hands-on workshops that cater to children and families. Both Science Dome UK and Science Zone UK reflect Neil’s unwavering commitment to education and his belief in the transformative power of science outreach. Through these initiatives, Neil continues to foster curiosity and a love for learning in communities throughout the UK.

Our Mission

At Science Dome UK, our mission statement "Inspiring, Empowering, Educating" is more than just words. It is a goal to ignite curiosity and foster a lifelong love for science among learners of all ages. We strive to break down complex scientific concepts into engaging, interactive experiences that inspire exploration and discovery. By bringing the universe closer to home, we empower individuals with knowledge and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Our Approach

Our approach is centered on delivering curriculum-focused, educator-led experiences that align with the UK National Curriculum. Utilizing state-of-the-art mobile planetariums and interactive workshops, we provide students with immersive learning environments that enhance understanding and retention of scientific concepts. Our programs are designed to complement classroom learning, offering a dynamic and engaging supplement that brings science to life.

Your Science Journey Starts Here

Neil A Carrington - Founder & Director

Maria Gallardo - Science Zone and Marketing Manager

Neil A Carrington - Founder & Director

The founder of Science Dome and has a great passion for sharing the wonder of science to children. He brings a wealth of experience to Science Dome and is an experienced rocks and fossils collector. Following 6 years of holidays in the Isle of Wight and also being local to the Jurassic Coast, Neil had a vision to show the wonder of Dinosaurs and rocks to schools, combining this with a show about the stars. Instead of just taking rocks into classrooms, Neil purchased his first Mobile Dome to bring to schools to show computerized film and pictures and combined this with his private collection of fossils. Neil has been amazed at the interest and take-up of the Science Dome service and now presents general science shows linked to Key Stages in subjects such as Light and Sound and Soils.

Neil is a committed Christian and loves to present the RS show using the Science Dome, sharing his awe at the wonder of God’s creation. Neil is based in Bournemouth.

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Linnie Wharmby - Science Manager

Maria Gallardo - Science Zone and Marketing Manager

Neil A Carrington - Founder & Director

Our exciting experiments allow students to explore scientific concepts in a practical way. They gain hands-on experience that reinforces classroom learning.