Internationalisation

Science Gallery Bengaluru: collaborating to create a new online programme

The collaboration with Science Gallery Bengaluru has enabled the creation of a new PgCert in Science Public Engagement. The funding strengthened this partnership by allowing the teams to get to know one another, observe each other’s operations in action, and lay a more robust and productive foundation for their future work together. 

Deepening partnership through in‑person engagement

Establishing a new international partnership is a powerful way to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and drive innovation across borders. In this case, the project centred on an international visit to a key collaborator, Science Gallery Bengaluru, as part of a new and innovative programme being jointly developed in Science Public Engagement.

Until this point, most communication between the teams had taken place online. However, it became clear that virtual formats have limitations - particularly when building a new partnership that depends on trust, deep mutual understanding, and practical insight. For this reason, the team organised an in‑person visit, made possible through GGPF funding and support from the MVLS Graduate School.

The visit offered a rare opportunity to see Science Gallery Bengaluru’s work first-hand, understand their local context in greater depth, and engage in open, organic conversations that are difficult to achieve over video calls. It was as much an investment in building the human relationship as it was about advancing the technical development of the programme.

The in‑person visit enabled open‑ended dialogue and spontaneous problem‑solving. The team was able to ask questions in real time, brainstorm ideas on the spot, and shift conversations as new insights emerged. This approach not only accelerated planning but also sparked fresh ideas for the programme that had not surfaced during previous virtual meetings.

Shared understanding to shape programme development

The visit’s most significant outcome was a deeper mutual understanding of each partner’s approaches, constraints, and contributions. Seeing Science Gallery Bengaluru’s operations first-hand helped the team identify where the joint programme could be more effectively integrated or adapted.

Collaboration during the visit was marked by openness, curiosity, and shared purpose. Science Gallery Bengaluru demonstrated strong commitment to the partnership by arranging meetings with their programme staff, tours of relevant local institutions, and two dedicated sessions with the Experimentors (interns, pictured). These sessions provided valuable feedback on the programme’s design and content, offering insight into learners’ expectations, workloads, and the level of engagement realistic for part‑time study. Structured meetings also enabled both sides to review shared objectives, timelines, and forthcoming responsibilities.

Importance of the partnership with Science Gallery Bengaluru

"The funding to pursue this collaboration has been immeasurable. Prior to this visit to Bangalore, I had only ever met our partners online and heard about the amazing work the Science Gallery is doing from others who had experienced it. Visiting the gallery, meeting the team, having the opportunity to have face-to-face meetings has been one of the most professionally rewarding opportunities I have been given.”

International collaboration brings significant added value that cannot be achieved in isolation. Our partner operates in a different socio-political and economic context, and their approach to similar challenges is shaped by that reality. By working together, the teams are combined two sets of expertise, to create a better course, sensitive to different environments and adaptable across contexts.

This partnership also provides access to infrastructure, resources, and networks that UoG would not have alone. Science Gallery Bengaluru’s facilities, stakeholder relationships, and deep understanding of local systems are assets are critical to the success of the programme. This on the ground expertise helps avoid assumptions and blind spots that could limit the programme’s effectiveness.

There is an intangible but very real benefit to international cooperation: it pushes us to think bigger, challenge our assumptions, and approach problems from new angles. Being in the same space with the partner enriched this dynamic exchange in a way virtual meetings could not replicate.

Ultimately, the visit served as both a strategic and relational milestone. It cemented our commitment to working together and laid a much stronger foundation for the ambitious goals of the programme. None of this could have been achieved as effectively through virtual meetings alone.

The partnership today