Science in Society
As we celebrate the theory of natural selection, are we actually encouraging unnatural selection by promoting the constant protection of biodiversity at all costs? Nature-related topics such as climate change, biodiversity, health, sustainable...
Exhibit development
We will confront ideas and practices about the topic of risk and danger and the challenge of engaging people – especially youngsters – and foster the safety culture. Through three case studies, we will discuss how to be effective in...
Science & Arts
Art and neuroscience share associative aspects of perception, which can transfer into new experiences for the general public. When art meets neuroscience, a stimulating breeding ground is created, which involves more than a work of art simply...
Exhibit development
There are as many exhibition development processes as exhibitions out there. Meanwhile, projects are getting more and more complicated, requiring a variety of input from content experts to technical experts. This session looks at the approach of...
Research, theory & evaluation
Over the last years, the development of technological tools for bridging the gap between science education, communication and frontier research has had a profound impact on the process of learning. In this session, we will introduce advanced...
Science in Society
We’re in the century of networks: energy networks, communication networks, information networks… and networks of museums and science centres! How do we ensure these are truly mature networks, rather than isolated, unconnected nodes?...
Networking & Partnerships
Science centres and museums are increasingly active in lobbying on a European and international level. Work done with the Commission through European projects, Ecsite’s Parliament Event in February 2009, the presence of Ecsite and the World Ocean...
Theory of science communication
How do we communicate science and involve citizens in the latest developments of scientific research? Theatrical science communication, participation techniques, mobile bus laboratories and science circus are presented – live and in action...
Exhibit development
Museum objects have many stories to tell, but scientific and technological objects do not always readily reveal their stories to visitors. New media interfaces provide an opportunity to interpret objects in more depth, but there are risks in...
Explainers & visitor services
Many science centres and museums work with real scientists as a source of knowledge for developing exhibitions, interactive activities and public meetings with visitors. Scientists have a detailed knowledge of their field, they know about the...
Exhibit development
Eco-designing an exhibition means factoring in the ecological footprint of the exhibition’s manufacture, from its creation through to recycling. In this session, we will try to provide pointers on the additional constraint of eco-designing...
Operations & finance
Efficient planning of resources in science centres is very important, certainly in times of economic crisis. Visitor numbers have the biggest influence on the use of resources. Forecasting of visitor numbers is thus crucial. The presenters in...