How It All Began

The Adam Science programme was set up in memory of Adam Science, a young dynamic lay leader who was exceptionally engaged in communal life. He recognised that the community would benefit greatly from engaging young adults at an early age and he organized events and ‘Quest’ weekends for young people to meet and be inspired to get involved in communal life.

In 1991, Adam was tragically killed in a car accident and the community lost one of its shining stars. His friends and family rallied to continue his communal work and set up a young leadership programme in his name to help young adults learn about the community and get involved in communal leadership.

The first Adam Science Programme was held in 1992, making 2017 the 25th Anniversary year. It was originally run by Adam’s friends – the Trustees of the programme. It was then run by UJIA together with the Adam Science Foundation for 10 years. Since 2011 it has been run by Lead, the leadership development division of the Jewish Leadership Council.

Each year, a diverse group of men and women from across the denominational mix bring their communal, denominational and cultural perspectives to the Adam Science table. As well as learning from the professional and lay leaders that they hear from, the group also learns much from each other’s rich tapestry of backgrounds and experiences.