2026 Conference Host

About Universeum

The world's most important experiences

At Universeum, we explore our world through STEM. The experiences provide knowledge about everything from atoms and artificial intelligence to ecosystems and equations. We place this knowledge in a larger context, in an interdisciplinary perspective that helps children, young people and adults understand how the world is connected and how it works. With knowledge and understanding comes the desire to act for a sustainable future.

What is Universeum's mission?

Universeum is a public arena for lifelong learning where children and adults explore the world through science and technology. We create experiences that strengthen creativity and innovativeness, increase knowledge and activate critical thinking. With science as a foundation and an engaging pedagogy, we challenge people to enrich their lives and act for a sustainable world.

What are Universeum's goals for hosting Ecsite 2026?

As the host of Ecsite 2026, our main goals are to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange across the European science centre network, while creating a platform for innovation and advancing our field together. We're committed to delivering an inspiring, high-quality, and sustainable conference that energises our community and strengthens our collective impact.

To achieve this, we aim to:

• Promote STEM Education and Innovation. We will showcase cutting-edge developments in data visualisation, AI, mathematics, and inclusive learning environments.
• Facilitate Dialogue and Collaboration. We are committed to providing platforms for delegates, partners, and stakeholders to share knowledge and best practices, and form new partnerships.
• Highlight Sustainability. We will make sure to create an environmentally responsible conference, leveraging Gothenburg's exceptional sustainability credentials. The city has been consistently recognised as a global leader – most recently ranking as the world's most sustainable destination by the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index) for the eighth time in 2024, with a record-breaking score of 94.7%. This achievement reflects Gothenburg's comprehensive approach to sustainable meetings and events, which we'll fully embrace for Ecsite 2026.
• Deliver Memorable Experiences. We will combine engaging programs, immersive learning environments, and amazing social activities to leave a lasting impression on all participants.
• Strengthen Networks and Visibility. We will engage both national and Nordic science centre networks while showcasing the value of our work to our founders, partners, and the wider public.

How does Universeum hope the conference will impact attendees or the wider community?

We believe Ecsite 2026 will strengthen our collective impact and advance science and STEM in a powerful way. The conference will also highlight the vital role science centres and museums play in supporting democratic society. We hope the conference will elevate public discourse around science and innovation, demonstrating how science centres serve as crucial bridges between research, education, and society.

For attendees, we envision a conference that sparks new collaborations, provides practical tools and inspiration, and reinforces the value of their work in making science accessible to all. The connections, insights, and new ideas gained in Gothenburg should translate into stronger, more innovative science engagement across Europe.

Ultimately, we aim to create ripple effects that extend far beyond the conference days – strengthening science engagement, fostering critical thinking, and empowering citizens across Europe to engage meaningfully with the scientific questions shaping our shared future.