Biotechnology in informal science environments
Find this session's presentations here.
Biotechnology can provide solutions to global challenges in several fields including health, agriculture, medicine, energy, and bio-economy. Informal science environments are perfect settings to inspire and engage people with biotech.
How can science centres and museums improve their presentation of biotechnology-related activities? How can they keep up with the rapid pace of innovation while addressing the complex science and controversial questions that arise from emerging biotechnologies and personally engaging visitors from diverse backgrounds?
This session will explore various projects and communities that engage audiences with biotechnology and synthetic biology in informal environments. Our diverse panel of speakers will inspire participants and help them start organise or fine-tune their own biotech-related activities.
Session speakers
To hampering the shift from science popularization to active participation, we exploited the theatre format as a tool for representing the impact of some biotechnology innovations (products of gene transfer and synthetic biology, DNA tests and de-extinction) in our everyday lives. By reaching emotions, theatre induced passion and curiosity, whilst bio-social meaning of biotechnology was represented. Challenges of this activity will be discussed.
Gisela Oliveira from Pavilion of Knowledge - Ciência Viva, will talk about hosting the World Biotech Tour, an international program supported by the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) and Biogen Foundation, in Lisbon, Portugal. The project runs throughout science centres and museums from all over the world involving researchers, politicians, science centre professionals, students, teachers and the general public in hands-on activities and participatory discussions about the relevance of biotechnology in our daily lives.
Association of Science-Technology Centers
Washington DC
United States
Carlin Hsueh, World Biotech Tour project manager, Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) - Carlin, co-presenting with Gisela, will give a general overview of the World Biotech Tour (WBT), an international program supported by ASTC and the Biogen Foundation. The project mobilizes multiple science centres worldwide to conduct biotechnology activities and events throughout the year, including a youth ambassador program, science cafes, workshops, community and school outreaches, and culminating in a biotech-themed science festival. The tour evolves at each location, morphing into a different experience celebrating biotechnology in that region.
