Networking & Partnerships
In a roundtable discussion, participants will present different models for national and sub regional science centre networks in Europe: Why they were formed, what they do and how they operate in relation to the European scene. We will look at...
Science in Society
This session will stimulate critical reflection on the social responsibility of science centres, museums and other science engagement organizations to support meaningful engagement between scientists and the public. How can we think more...
Outreach
Do not lock your ideas inside a science centre or museum building – there are crowds out there awaiting your workshops, science shows, or just your time spent answering questions. But what does it take to organize a successful outdoor event for...
Exhibit development
Challenging stereotypes and encouraging girls to pursue scientific careers are important parts of the work of science centres and museums. But how can we do this if we are biased ourselves? Join speakers from the ecsite members’ project ‘TWIST’...
Explainers & visitor services
The sheer number of science shows performed at science centres can lead to lower quality presentations. There are several reasons for this, for example routine performances, performers who lack skills as well as too little time for quality...
Marketing & communication
In this session, speakers from institutions that excel in fundraising will explain how they achieve their goals and take part in an open discussion about future directions. This session is aimed at fundraising for smaller and mid-sized...
The Project Buffet is an open poster session organized by Ecsite to enable conference participatns to present their collaborative, not-for-profit projects. Session participants are invited to put up their poster at the beginning of the conference...
Exhibit development
Participation is an increasing focus among science centres and museums. If once it was mainly connected to visitors’ points of view and opinions on ‘hot topics’ and their dialogue with scientists and experts, today’s participation is more varied...
Operations & finance
Science centres and museums experience increased pressure during times of financial cuts and growing competition for public support and fundraising. Additionally, rising operational costs and the need to invest capital funds in renewal and...
Science in Society
The production of contemporary scientific knowledge is changing, it is more influenced by factors and actors outside specific disciplines and more embedded in society; or, at least, many people work to engage new voices in science. Post-academic...
Exhibit development
The process of designing interactive exhibits requires open-minded thinking and plenty of creativity. After its launch, the exhibition should be evaluated and a discussion of lessons learned should take place. The ideal method of reviewing a...
Collections
Panelists will present their own digital platforms and open source projects to show how digital resources can be used by science centres and museums to reach across cultural and institutional borders and build connections with onsite and online...