ETEC’s architect retires with good news
As general director of the science museum Discovery Museum in Kerkrade (NL), Hans Gubbels came up with the concept for the Einstein Telescope Education Centre (ETEC). After having worked for Discovery Museum and its predecessors for almost a quarter of a century, he is now closing the door behind him on his way to early retirement.
What will you leave behind when you retire?
‘It can hardly be summed up in a few sentences. From a regional industrial museum with 30,000 visitors a year, we have grown to become a contemporary, quirky and leading Euroregional science museum where more than 100,000 visitors a year discover how science and technology impact our world. We have a reputation for doing things slightly differently: with passion, creativity, and an eye for societal relevance. I am proud of what we have achieved together.’
And zooming in on ETEC?
‘The same goes for that. The more young people fall under the spell of the world behind the Einstein Telescope, the more likely they are to choose a study in engineering or science. There is a great need for this even if the Einstein Telescope would not be built in the Meuse-Rhine Euroregion, which we hope will not be the case, of course. For us, it is nice to see that what you think up with your colleagues also works in practice.’
Any other news from the ETEC front?
‘Yes indeed. Because of strong interest from Germany and Wallonia, we had the entire ETEC programme translated into French, German and English. That means we are pretty much ready to host schools from that part of the Euroregion as well. Our programme also fits into the curriculum of schools across the border. Meanwhile, we have piloted it with the first school from the Aachen region. A few small things still need some fine-tuning, but after that we are all set to go.’
The Einstein Telescope Education Centre focuses on school visits. One Sunday a month, ETEC is open to the general public. How does that go?
‘I had been hoping for that question: the Gravity Tour is going like a bomb! There is so much interest that we are moving to two Sunday openings a month. This primarily has to do with the growing interest of the public. In addition, we are very happy that enough able volunteers have signed up to host that as well. By the way, a visit to the ETEC is separate from a visit to the Discovery Museum itself, although of course we are happy if people choose both.’
Do you have another ETEC farewell wish?
‘Of course there is always something to wish for. We now see that it is the same schools that keep coming back to ETEC. This is obviously super, and the reviews are excellent. But it is obvious that we want to entice more new schools to make the trip to ETEC. We are currently thinking of ways to get some more exposure in the world of education. But that will be up to my successor.’
Finally…
‘What should I say? I can only look back with gratitude, satisfaction and pride on what we achieved with a very strong team. I look back with pride on the programmes that touched people, the choices that took guts, and the moments when the winds were against us, but we nevertheless continued to believe in our mission. And as a provincial museum with Euroregional appeal, we should be very happy with the support of many partners. The same goes for ETEC: admittedly our idea, but without the involvement of Province of Limburg, Maastricht University, Nikhef and the Einstein Telescope EMR project office and others, it would never have gotten off the ground. Not to mention that wonderful film Spacetime, which Dutch Black Hole Consortium commissioned for us. When you see it in our Earth Theatre, you immediately understand why that film has won awards at scientific film festivals.’
So?
‘So I have every confidence in the future. I have confidence in this museum, that is at the heart of society, and that is never finished. In the team, that is bursting with talent, professionalism and dedication. If you haven’t been here yet: come and experience it yourself! After all, the most important thing remains the engagement of our audience. Young, old, curious, critical. And all the people who have taken this museum, and by now also ETEC, to their hearts. Thank you everyone!’
Are you now going to sit around and twiddling your thumbs?
‘I am not the type of person to sit still. Not in board positions, but mainly in terms of content, I would like to pick up some things where necessary or possible. But one thing is paramount here, I want to flip the work-life balance to life-work balance. Time for my own family, travelling, sailing and hands-on activities will be the priority, and I am going to enjoy it.’
