Robert FirmhoferMichiel BuchelHerbert MuenderJohn Falk
At science centres, we strive for perfection and innovation. We design learning experiences and raise revenue, manage visitor flows and enhance creativity. We care about toilet cleanliness and scientific accuracy. We employ educators and...
Exhibit development
Noel JacksonRuth MurrayIvonne DelgadilloDebora NucciNoel JacksonInês OliveiraRaffaella Spagnuolo
Working in a lab is somehow similar to cooking and lab procedures may look like recipes. This hands-on session will welcome participants into a familiar kitchen-like environment and offer short experiments and hands-on activities, exploring the...
Explainers & visitor services
Ryan JenkinsJochen HungerJean-michel MolenaarSabina Barcucci
In the past several years, making and tinkering have spread around the globe and we don’t have to explain why it is fun to get our hands dirty from time to time, follow our own curiosity or do things with others in a playful way. We can’t be...
Explainers & visitor services
Preeti GuptaSilvia GrabnerSónia FerreiraBrian LevineAlexander Moss
Children are science-interested, curious explorers. Typically, science interest and engagement tends to drop during adolescence, but if maintained can prompt future involvement with STEM. Science museums can trigger short-term interest and...
Research, theory & evaluation
Sheena LaursenCarlos Catalao AlvesIgnasi López Verdeguer
Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) is a very topical concept at European Union level, and an inspirational one for science centres and museums. This session highlights how RRI tools can be used to create development processes that put...
Research, theory & evaluation
Maria XanthoudakiSheena LaursenJamie BellPedro Casaleiro
By collecting and analysing data about the impacts on the learning, attitudes, perceptions and behaviour of participants in informal learning environments and experiences, we discover “what works” for whom and under what conditions. In addition...
Equity & Inclusion
Barbara StreicherSimona CerratoAnna GunnarssonMatteo Merzagora
Social inclusion – a fashionable trend? The fundamental question is: why do we want to be inclusive? Are we missing someone or do we think “they” are missing out on the wonderful experiences we have to offer? Do we programme inclusive activities...
Explainers & visitor services
Paweł BarczyńskiMatteo MerzagoraOrna Cohen
“When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground”, says an African quote. Older people are a source of information about “modern times a long time ago” and can share their experiences with younger generations. How was life 60 years ago? How...
Exhibit development
Ana Rita Claro RodriguesDebora NucciJulia PittsRoger KneeboneEsther Hamstra
Immersion is a new trend in visitor experiences, but what does it look and feel like? Get engrossed in this showcase of a variety of immersive concepts which use rich environments, strong narratives and sensory engagement to create personal,...
Exhibit development
Sergio CagolTalila YehielPeter SlavenburgJane Rayner
Audio guides, video guides and other apps are not very common in science museums. App experiences on mobile devices can provide an opportunity for visitors to engage with exhibitions pre-, in-, and post-visit, enhancing their overall museum...
Marketing & communication
Joanna KalinowskaAnna DziamaEnrico TombesiAnna RedaelliPatricia Verheyden
This session will present a few short examples of cooperation between science centres and corporations. An expert from each science centre involved and the coordinator of the partnership will gather for a joint presentation. Each pair will first...
Research, theory & evaluation
Rosalia VargasPer-Edvin PerssonPer-Edvin Persson
This presentation summarizes the scientific literature on the impact of science centres on their respective communities, with a focus on learning and education, local economic development and community development. These effects contribute to the...