Louise Smith - CEO Dundee Science CentreBack to Dundee Ambassadors

I moved to Dundee in September 1993 to study Political Science and Social Policy at the University of Dundee.  Like most students moving to a new city, I assumed I would leave after completing my degree but as I became Senior Vice-president of the Students Association and went on to complete my postgraduate and professional qualifications in Dundee.

I took to Dundee immediately.  I was amazed at the setting and location - the amount of parks, green spaces, a feeling of openness and the amazing riverside location, and so much sunshine! I grew up in a small village in the country and couldn't believe that a city could feel so green and open. So much of it is easy to walk to. You can reach Mills Observatory in the middle of a park just 15 minutes from the City centre, be back to enjoy the museums and galleries, science and arts centres in the city centre and enjoy a drink or dinner in one of the many great bars and restaurants - all on foot. This is really unique for a UK city - much more in in-keeping with European cities.

I am Chief executive Officer of Dundee Science Centre. I have worked here for 10 years starting as Business and Operations Manager, becoming Projects Director and CEO just over a year ago. The Science Centre employs 43 staff, has both formal and informal learning programmes for the whole community, offers adult only evenings and is a great day out. My vision is for a culture of curiosity, confidence and engagement with science for the whole community. The science centre runs Dundee's Science Festival and works to promote science as part of the cultural mix of the city.

This is where I feel I ‘grew up', became an adult, formed my opinions about the world, made lifelong friends and discovered what I wanted to do.  I love the museums and galleries, the rich theatre and live performances, the outdoor spaces and watching rugby on Riverside Drive.

Dundee is really vibrant. The people I meet involved in business, cultural development and the future strategy of the city are passionate about it and want to see it thrive. It's a really forward thinking and innovative city. I'm working with the CEOs of DCA and the Dundee Rep theatre to pioneer some schools and teacher activities to support Scotland's new curriculum for Excellence - bringing arts and science together. That kind of innovation, collaboration and partnership working is common across the city and sets it apart from many others.

Dundonians should be proud of the development of the city over the last 15 years - both scientifically and the contributions it has made to the advances of science research, as well as culturally how it has developed into a rich, vibrant hub for all kinds of activities. I sometimes think Dundonians are too negative about Dundee. Maybe when you are born and grow up here you take for granted the location and beauty of the spaces but when you move here you are amazed by it. 

I think Dundee is set apart from other cities by its location which is formidable. It is big enough to have great city amenities like theatres, art and science centres but small enough to feel friendly and welcoming.

Dundee has the opportunity to lead the way in renewables, off-shore wind and wave development as well as Life sciences and Digital media - becoming known as a European ‘City of Science'.  It has great recognition for the contribution it is making to science and art and for its ability to develop and attract more creative and ambitious people to the city and of course for the reconnection of Dundee City Centre to the Waterfront - which is beginning to happen already.