The role of school science coordinator goes beyond staff allocation, equipment stocktaking and laboratory and budget management. It calls for both technical skills and cultural sensitivity in curriculum planning, as well as empathy, enthusiasm, judgement and imagination. This week Curriculum Leadership publishes an interview with former science coordinator Lynden Fielding. The interviewer is Rod Fawns, a senior lecturer in science and maths, who also provides an introductory article. They discuss the changing roles and expectations of science teachers and science coordinators in schools.