The first 'Ecsite trial' took place during the 2015 Ecsite Annual Conference, debating the role of competitions for school students. A Judge presided, lawyers presented their arguments, and the jury made the final decision on their place within science centres.

Due to popular demand the 'Ecsite trial' is back and this time we are examining the role of the Explainer.

Following an initial address by the distinguished ‘Judge’ Sharon Ament…the formidable Brad Irwin will speak for the prosecution. He will declare that Explainers should be invisible - no more should brightly coloured shirts and enthusiastic faces blight our exhibitions spaces - and that it’s an outdated role that needs transformation.

Leading the defence of the Explainer is the indomitable Maria Xanthoudaki. She will vehemently challenge this claim, highlighting the positive impact they have on a museum’s audience.

Throughout the trial, both ‘lawyers’ will present important evidence to support their claims as well as call expert academic and practitioner witnesses from the field of informal science learning to the stand.

What will be the outcome? It will be up to you, the jury, to decide.