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Before he was known as the founder and long-term director of the ¾«¶«´«Ã½ Science Centre and Planetarium – now the ¾«¶«´«Ã½ of ¾«¶«´«Ã½ (UOW) – Glen Moore was UOW’s first senior lecturer in physics and astronomy.

Fostering an interest in the beyond

Glen has been part of the ¾«¶«´«Ã½’s story since before it formally became UOW, graduating with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physics in 1969, from what was then known as ¾«¶«´«Ã½ College of the ¾«¶«´«Ã½ of New South Wales. He went to work with BHP as a physicist, but his passion called him back.

“I still missed my great love – astronomy,” Glen says. “I left BHP in the early 1970s to take up a lesser paid and single-year tutor position at the ¾«¶«´«Ã½. I was eventually promoted to senior lecturer.”

His love for astronomy translated into a renowned talent for making complex subjects accessible and captivating, frequently drawing the interest of students outside his faculty. Glen was formally recognised for his efforts and awarded the Australian College of Education Medal in 1991.

Teaching at UOW, TAFE and the local WEA college, Glen knew that astronomy was perfectly suited for practical demonstrations and exhibits. He sensed a potential to foster a broader, popular understanding of our world and the galaxies beyond.

Left: Glen Moore and fellow UOW astronomer appeared in the UOW Gazette in 1985 after making an exciting discovery about Neptune. Right: Glen on the cover of the UOW Campus News in 1990 receiving the Ethel Hayton Award, which was presented annually to a UOW staff member who enhanced the ¾«¶«´«Ã½'s relationship with the community.

A true passion project

“My research work was in astronomy, particularly in our galactic neighbours the Magellanic Clouds,” Glen explains, referring to two irregular dwarf galaxies that orbit the Milky Way. “That work was key in establishing the observatory in the catchment area to the west of ¾«¶«´«Ã½.”

“The area of astronomical knowledge was limited without a major tool such as a planetarium. There was one in Brisbane and one in Melbourne, but nothing closer. And so I set about to generate a facility in ¾«¶«´«Ã½.”

After years spent rallying support, securing corporate sponsorships and working with the community, Glen’s dream to build a planetarium at UOW came to fruition in 1989. Glen transformed a disused migrant hostel into one of Australia’s first interactive science centres, a landmark contribution to the establishment of the country’s science centre movement.

Science Space’s first exhibits were mostly donations, mixed with ‘string and sealing wax’ models of our solar system. The centre was kept running with the support of community volunteers, UOW research students and Glen’s wife, Elizabeth.

“It started originally in an old building in what would become the Innovation Campus,” Glen recalls. “It was a great success.”

Flooding in 1998 damaged the centre extensively, and it was Glen’s tireless advocacy that secured government and corporate support, allowing the centre to be rebuilt bigger and better. Science Space reopened in 2000 as the ’s first public facility.

With Glen as its director until his retirement in 2014, Science Space became one of the region’s most visited indoor tourist attraction. Today, it is home to one of the most advanced planetariums in Australia and is still NSW’s only dedicated science experience.

Flood damage to Science Space in 1998 was extensive.

Community connection

Since opening its doors over 35 years ago, Science Space continues to evolve, contributing to the Innovation Campus purpose of fostering collaboration between academia, industry and community.

Upon Glen’s retirement, then-Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) Professor Judy Raper AM said Science Space “embodies Glen's passion for making science and technology accessible to the community, especially young people.”

Speaking of his longstanding relationship with the people of ¾«¶«´«Ã½, Glen says “The community involvement was critical, and a great joy.”

And it’s safe to say the community has returned that appreciation.

Glen has been recognised for his contributions with the Australian Institute of Physics Award, Fellowship of the International Planetarium Society, a Rotary Vocational Service Award, a City of ¾«¶«´«Ã½ Recognition Award, an Australia Day Innovation Award, and the UOW 2013 Alumni Award for Community Service.