Visitor involvement in real scientific research
Some of our science museums have opened their floors to real scientific research and encourage visitors to advance science by participating as experimental subjects.
At the Science Gallery Dublin, visitors smelt worn t-shirts and rated smell attractiveness. At the Museum of Science in Boston, children predicted when other people would get punished. At NEMO in Amsterdam, families were asked to lie during a test, in the name of science. And at Cap Sciences in Bordeaux, the Living Lab enables visitors to exchange with researchers and experiment with new technologies.
This participatory session highlights how such research programmes are invaluable to both museums and the scientific community, and argues that every science museum should have such a win-win programme in place. The first half presents innovative scientist-visitor cooperations, and offers a practical guide on how to open up our museums to live research. The second half will be audience-generated: bring along and share your own 3-5 minute experiences (on USB stick, a cappella, or on flip-over) on the challenges of conducting real research in a public setting.
Facilitator
Head of International Relations
Vrije Ujiversiteit Amsterdam
Session speakers
Professional Development Associate, National Living Laboratory
Since 2005, the Museum of Science has immersed over 61,000 visitors in the process of scientific discovery through partnerships with scientists in Living Laboratory®. By inviting visitors to participate in ongoing studies and conversations with researchers, this model offers the public direct access to cutting-edge science and increases participation in research studies. Learn about the growing Living Laboratory community and take home materials designed to help you build your own collaboration.
Education and Learning Manager
Science Gallery Dublin has hosted many research projects, through 'Lab in the Gallery' programmes, exhibitions, and events. As part of an initiative supported by the Wellcome Trust, Science Gallery Dublin is collaborating with the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute to explore new ways to connect visitors with the latest biomedical research. Our approach combines scientist training and audience development, with the testing of multidisciplinary laboratory spaces and art-science collaborations.
