Now and again visionary leaders with new ideas and different experiences from the outside world land in science centres, science museums and similar science-communicating institutions. This can lead to an exciting meeting between two different worlds, pushing the limits of science engagement organisations and allowing for the pursuit of new opportunities, enriching the whole field in the process.
How do leaders from the outside experience their meeting with the science communication field, and what can the field gain from it? In this session you will meet five “leaders from the outside” who took on a CEO position in a science engagement organisation, ranging from a former astronaut to a former Minister of Education.
Facilitator
Session speakers
WP Lead (vice rector, education)
Vantaa
Finland
Having held various research and innovation related leadership roles and jobs, Tapio is now CEO of Heureka in Helsinki. Tapio will approach the issue from the viewpoint of cultural differences between science centers/museums and other expert organisations and companies.
CEO
LIFE, the Novo Nordisk Foundation
Hellerup
Denmark
Christine Antorini was the Danish minister of education from 2011-2015 and is now the CEO of a new and very ambitious science learning center LIFE. Christine will discuss, how science centers can build a bridge to teachers and inquiry based science education from early childhood to primary and secondary school including vocational training.
Chief Executive Director/Astronaut
Tokyo
Japan
As a professor, an astronaut, the Chief Executive Director of the National Museum of merging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) as well as on the board of numerous entities, Dr. Mamoru Mohri has consistently found creativity and innovation the keys to success in any endeavor. He will present concrete examples in science research, shuttle missions, and in a wide variety of Miraikan activities and how each enhanced and enriched science communication efforts with the public.
CEO & Sakurako and William Fisher Executive Director
San Francisco
United States
Drawing upon his 25 years of designing engaging experiences and leading creative cultures, both as a senior partner at renowned innovation firm IDEO and as faculty at Stanford University, Chris will share insights into pertinent parallels and differences he's noticed with respect to his current role at the Exploratorium. He will offer a few provocative thoughts about what our field might learn from very different organizations he's been part of, highlighting opportunities for more creative cross-pollination.
Chief Executive Officer
Scitech Discovery Centre
Perth
Australia
With Deb’s background in economic development and as a former CEO of a Chamber of Commerce, she will be sharing insights regarding the transformational journey that Scitech is currently on, and how to collaboratively drive strategic change in a science centre environment where an entirely new business model is being implemented. Staying relevant and ‘ahead of the wave’ requires foresight, bold strategy, and a focus on your people to unlock the transformation pathway.