LOPA PATEL MBE will chair the Advisory Board at the National Science and Media Museum (NSMM), part of the Science Museum Group (SMG).
Patel is a digital entrepreneur and founder of two ventures in online media and a data-driven marketing consultancy. She is also Chair of equality and inclusion charity Diversity UK and Non-Executive Director of the Intellectual Property Office (IPO).
Patel has been a trustee of the Science Museum Group since 2016 and was reappointed by former Prime Minster BORIS JOHNSON for a second four-year post in 2020. Throughout her terms, Patel has supported the SMG in developing and delivering the strategy to digitise its extensive collection.
The museum, located in Bradford, is undergoing a major redevelopment project as part of Bradford City of Culture 2025.
The NSMM is developing two new permanent galleries as part of its Sound and Vision project, which aims to provide wider access to collections of photography, film, radio, TV, sound and technologies to embrace the region’s dedication to creating a digital economy.
Patel said she is delighted to be taking up the reins as Chair.
“We have ambitious plans for new Sound and Vision galleries at the museum which will deliver a breath-taking space to showcase one of the greatest collections and world-changing sound and vision technologies, as well as an activity programme to inspire one of the most diverse and fastest-growing cities in Britain,” she added.
Director of NSMM JO QUINTON-TULLOCH said she is delighted to welcome Patel as Chair.
“Her technology, media and digital perspective will add to our ambition for the Sound and Vision galleries to tell stories of human ingenuity, connecting historic technologies to people’s lives now and in the future. Bradford is a cornerstone of West Yorkshire’s creative hub and having a media entrepreneur on our board will help ensure the museum is a centre of media and digital heritage for Britain”.