Member News: NORTH-EAST BUSINESS LEADER APPOINTED AS BOARD CHAIR AT ABERDEEN SCIENCE CENTRE

January 20, 2026
Member News: NORTH-EAST BUSINESS LEADER APPOINTED AS BOARD CHAIR AT ABERDEEN SCIENCE CENTRE

Aberdeen Science Centre has appointed Stephen Lancaster, an experienced business leader, as the chair of its board.  

 

An accomplished and successful entrepreneur, Stephen has more than 35 years’ experience across various industries and sectors, with a particular interest in technology. 

Having spent 25 years within the oil and gas industry, he transitioned into financial services roles, including as chief executive officer (CEO) of a financial technology startup and, more recently, as co-founder and CEO of new UK bank, GB Bank. 

Stephen joined the board of Aberdeen Science Centre as a non-executive director earlier this year, before moving into his new position as board chair.  

On his appointment, Stephen Lancaster said: “With a growing space industry, the transition to new forms of energy, innovation in life sciences and evolution in digital technology, robotics and artificial intelligence, access to quality STEM learning is vital if we are to inspire the minds of the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators.   

“It is a privilege to step into the position of chair of the board at Aberdeen Science Centre at such an exciting time of opportunities and possibilities. I look forward to working closely with the board, the leadership team and our partners to build on Aberdeen Science Centre’s achievements and to help ensure its continued success as Scotland’s first science centre.” 

In addition to his role as Aberdeen Science Centre’s board chair, Stephen is a trustee and committee chair at The Brightside Trust, the UK’s leading online mentoring charity connecting young people with inspiring mentors. 

On Stephen’s appointed as chair of the board, Bryan Snelling, chief executive at Aberdeen Science Centre, said: “It is a privilege to introduce Stephen Lancaster as the new chair of our board. He brings a wealth of experience to the role, and his appointment will further strengthen the board’s capabilities, enabling us to continue delivering unparalleled STEM experiences across the North-east of Scotland and beyond, while guiding us through the next stage of our growth and development.” 

Stephen has taken over the board chair position from Professor (Emeritus) Susan Duthie, who completed her term in the role earlier this year.  

On Professor Duthie stepping down, Stephen added: “We are incredibly grateful for the leadership Susan provided as chair, and also the insight and guidance throughout her tenure on the board.” 

Based on Constitution Street near Aberdeen beach, Aberdeen Science Centre is home to almost 65 interactive exhibits, allowing people of all ages to discover topics including Space, Energy, Life Sciences, Engineering, and much more. 

Open seven days a week, Aberdeen Science Centre offers exclusive venue hire as well as room hire for corporate, social and private events. 

To book a visit to the centre or find out more about corporate opportunities, visit www.aberdeensciencecentre.org/ 

Get in touch

AREG is the original energy transition organisation, working on behalf of members to empower the energy supply chain and champion its expertise. Please get in touch if you have any questions or would like to find out more about membership.

AREG has played an important role in the growth of Scotland’s renewable energy sector, engaging the supply chain and developing the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre. However, we are only at the very beginning of the transition that AREG was established to both lead and support so there are still opportunities for companies to get into the constantly evolving renewables supply chain. We look forward to continuing our work together as renewables builds on its place as Scotland’s main source of power, and as we seek to deliver real change in the crucial areas of heat and transport.

Scottish Renewables

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce has worked closely with AREG since its formation. The recent progress in the developments of offshore wind projects by Equinor and Vattenfall are as a result of the work of the group over many years. The north-east is known as the oil and gas capital of Europe. At the Chamber, we believe the region must evolve its position to being recognised as the energy capital. Whilst hydrocarbons will continue to be essential in driving our economy for years to come, the generation of renewable resources will play an increasingly important role in providing cost-effective power, innovative development and economic growth.

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce

The enthusiasm and dedication of the early group that would become AREG was fundamental in us choosing to launch All-Energy in Aberdeen. The first tiny show was held in 2001, and AREG’s Chairman at the time, Jeremy Cresswell, played such an active role that I often describe him in terms such as All-Energy’s ‘midwife’. All-Energy is now the UK’s largest renewable and low carbon energy exhibition and conference in terms of number of attendees, space booked, and number of exhibiting companies. As AREG became firmly established, their presence and support for the event grew spectacularly over the years. We thank them most sincerely for their invaluable input.

All-Energy

Vattenfall has forged a strong working relationship with AREG through the development of the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre. AREG has worked tirelessly on behalf of the North East and it can take enormous credit for the growth of sustainable energy in the region and the path it has cleared for the region to capture further investment.

Vattenfall

Aberdeen City and Shire is emerging as a key location for renewables by successfully transferring its world-class oil and gas expertise into the sector and AREG has done much to advance this through a broad range of initiatives. It has acted as a catalyst in driving further investment in the local economy by engaging with companies, Government, public bodies and existing projects and we have been pleased to support their efforts. Scottish Enterprise will continue to engage with AREG as we increase Scotland’s use of renewable energy.

Scottish Enterprise