About Dolly at 30: The Life and Legacy of a Cloned Sheep

To coincide with her 30th birthday in July, join us for an evening exploring the history and legacy of Dolly the sheep, the first cloned mammal ever to be created from an adult cell.

Director of Edinburgh Science, Hassun El-Zafar, will chair a panel conversation exploring the scientific innovation, historic significance and continuing cultural impact of Dolly the sheep. Panellists include experts from the Roslin Institute, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Cambridge, and National Museums Scotland. The discussion will be followed by an audience Q&A. 

On the night there will also be the opportunity to see the museum's recent acquisitions related to Dolly the sheep which are not usually on public display.

This event is supported by The Elizabeth Paris Endowment of the History of Science Society for 2026.


Event itinerary

  • 18:30 - 20:00: Panel discussion in the Auditorium
  • 20:00 - 20:30: Opportunity to view a pop-up display of newly-acquired items related to Dolly the sheep. 
A museum curator with purple gloves handling a large yellow fleece.

Curator Sophie Goggins with the fleece from Dolly the sheep. The fleece will feature as one of the items in the event pop-up display.

Our speakers

Chair: Hassun El-Zafar

Hassun El-Zafar is Chief Executive Officer of Edinburgh Science Foundation, the organisation behind Edinburgh Science Festival. A former science teacher, he works at the intersection of science, art and public engagement.

Dr Andrew Kitchener

Professor Andrew Kitchener is Principal Curator of Vertebrates at National Museums Scotland, where he is responsible for the care and development of the vertebrate collections, including Dolly the sheep.  

Sophie Goggins

Sophie Goggins is Senior Curator of Biomedical Science at National Museums Scotland. She is responsible for the medical collection including her particular specialism, contemporary biomedicine. 

Dr Christine Tait-Burkard

Christine Tait-Burkard is a group leader at The Roslin Institute where her research builds on the institute’s legacy of pioneering animal biotechnology established through the creation of Dolly the sheep. 

Dr Miguel García-Sancho

Miguel García-Sancho is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation Studies of the University of Edinburgh. He led the project “Historicising Dolly” which placed the first cloned sheep within a broader trajectory of animal breeding research.

Dr Dimitry Myelnikov

Dimitry Myelnikov is a historian of biology and medicine, and a Teaching Associate at the Department of History and Philosophy of Science, University of Cambridge. As part of the “Historicising Dolly” project, he researched the history of the Roslin Institute and its transition to genetic engineering and cloning research in the 1980s.

Accessibility and facilities

We want everyone who comes to our museums to enjoy their time with us and make the most of their visit. 

How to get to the space

You can make your way to the Auditorium by walking through the Lothian Entrance. There is a ramp on the left-hand side once you enter the building.

The door to the Auditorium is not automatic and cannot be opened by a push pad. During an event it may already be open or you can open it by pulling it towards you. 

Wheelchair access

There are four designated spaces for wheelchairs in the Auditorium. Two are at the front on Level 1 and two are at the back on Level 2. You can access the upper spaces by taking the lift next to the Auditorium. A staff member will be available to give directions to the lift. 

These spaces can be booked in advance. Please contact publicevents@nms.ac.uk to book a designated wheelchair space. 

There is significant space to use a wheelchair in the Auditorium. 

Please ask a member of staff if you'd like to borrow a wheelchair after you've arrived. They cannot be booked in advance. 

Seating

Seats in the Auditorium are fixed and tiered. There are steps and handrails on either side of the seating rows. 

The seats are cushioned and have arm rests on either side. 

There is 18cm of leg room between rows. 

If you require a seat at the front or near the front, please get in touch at publicevents@nms.ac.uk

Hearing induction loops

There is an induction loop in the Auditorium. 

Toilets and baby changing

The nearest toilets are on Level 1 next to the Lothian Street Entrance. There are standard toilets and an accessible toilet. A baby changing table is located in the accessible toilet. 

If you require a changing places toilet, please ask a member of staff. 

Visit our accessibility page for general access information for the National Museum of Scotland. 

Supported by

This event is supported by the History of Science Society’s Elizabeth Paris Endowment.