Exploring a new model of science engagement
With major challenges around the globe including decreasing science literacy and increasing science denialism, we need to reimagine how to connect with the public in effective and engaging ways. A new science engagement model is empowering people and organisations to design and manage science experiences; a model that strikes an effective balance when facilitating dialogues between grassroots movements and policymakers.
This session provides you with in-depth exploration on the notion of balance of power between the science centre, academia and other public stakeholders. First, we will examine different case studies around the risks and opportunities for science organisations when engaging these new forms of public partnerships. Then, we will present you with a public science engagement “toolkit,” which we will apply to your organisation. Together, we will conceptualise a new framework and paradigm of science engagement.
Session speakers
Dr. Bertley, President and CEO of the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) will provide an overview of how COSI's novel approach has allowed us to gain trust and demonstrate a heightened excitement around experiencing and learning about science, engineering, technology, and its downstream impact on critical public policy issues.
COSI has strengthened this new model through its science festival by addressing key concerns, including some posited by Leonardo Alfonsi in “Roving reflections on the future of science events,” by incorporating nontraditional science partners, such as governments, elected officials, and community organizers to help design, manage and implement science festivals to greater outcomes.
Dr. Bertley will help us examine different case studies in order to better understand the dynamics of the process, its stakeholders and what they gain or lose in this partnership, and the risks as well as opportunities for science centers themselves. Together, we will conceptualize a potential framework toward a new paradigm of science engagement.
Mr. White will provide detailed effective strategies on how to engage local governments and nontraditional partners. We will provide an overview of how the Center of Science and Industry (COSI)'s novel approach has allowed us to gain trust and demonstrate a heightened excitement around experiencing and learning about science, engineering, technology, and its downstream impact on critical public policy issues.
COSI has strengthened this new model of science engagement through its science festival by addressing key concerns, including some posited by Leonardo Alfonsi in “Roving reflections on the future of science events,” by incorporating nontraditional science partners, such as governments, elected officials, and community organizers to help design, manage and implement science festivals to greater outcomes.
Mr. White will help us examine different case studies in order to better understand the dynamics of the process, its stakeholders and what they gain or lose in this partnership, and the risks as well as opportunities for science centers themselves. Together, we will conceptualize a potential framework toward a new paradigm of science engagement.
