Penny gained her PhD in neuroscience from Cambridge University. She has fourteen years experience working in the field of science engagement, including six years setting up then working in a landmark millennium science centre. Prior to taking this post in 2007, she ran her own Exhibitions and Neuroscience Consultancy setting up innovative projects in the UK and overseas.
ASCD is a membership organisation that brings together over 60 of the nation’s major science engagement organisations. Every year, ASDC members engage over 20 million people in all parts of the UK with the wonders of science. As CEO of ASDC Penny has founded and directed many national strategic science engagement projects on subjects ranging from astrophysics to molecular biology. Each has an emphasis on bringing the latest excellent science and scientists to the fore so adults and children across the UK can share what is going on in science. She has also consulted and worked worldwide, and has spoken in the UK parliament on the importance of informal science learning.