Dr Isabel Bruce

Dr Isabel Bruce OBE is a highly respected Scottish leader with a distinguished career spanning science engagement, higher education, culture, heritage and the charitable sector. Most recently, Dr Bruce served as Chief Executive Officer of Dundee Science Centre, where she led a significant period of growth and transformation. During her five years at the helm, the organisation expanded its reach from approximately 70,000 annual engagements to around 250,000 through a combination of science exhibitions, community outreach, festivals and digital engagement activities. Her leadership helped strengthen the Centre's role in promoting STEM education, lifelong learning and accessibility for diverse audiences.  

Alongside her executive career, Dr Bruce has made a substantial contribution to public life through a wide range of governance and leadership roles. She is currently Chair of the David Livingstone Trust and has previously served as a Board Member of the National Museums of Scotland and the Scotland Malawi Partnership, as well as holding Chair and Vice-Chair positions within higher education institutions and serving on the Board of the Enterprise Development Company in her hometown of Hamilton.  

In recognition of her contribution to higher education and international partnership, Dr Bruce was awarded an OBE in the 2009 New Year Honours List for services to Higher Education in Scotland and Malawi. In 2019, she was named Woman of Inspiration by the Association of Scottish Businesswomen for her leadership of the David Livingstone Trust and her wider contribution to education, heritage and community development.