Simons Foundation

Ecsite has been proudly working in partnership with the Simons Foundation since 2024 to support science engagement and mathematics in Ukraine. 

About the Partnership

The Simons Foundation is a US-based organisation whose mission is to advance the frontiers of research in mathematics and basic sciences. Through grant funding, the foundation has positively impacted research and public engagement in basic sciences in the United States and beyond. 

With a shared commitment to bringing science to the public, Ecsite and the Simons Foundation believe that accessible science benefits all. Over the past two years, Ecsite and the Simons Foundation have worked towards supporting Ukrainian science centres to engage the public in science and mathematics during the war.

Supporting Mathematics in Ukraine

In 2025,  Ecsite hosted a full-day workshop which brought together 15 Ukrainian professionals working in science centres to the 2025 Ecsite Conference. Facilitators from Ecsite member organisations TRACES and Imaginary introduced creative, hands-on methods for communicating mathematics and engaging local audiences. The Ukrainian delegation were then able to take full advantage of the 2025 Ecsite Conference hosted by Copernicus Science Centre, including Deep Dives, networking events, and sessions held by specialists in the field. 

Exhibit Co-creation

In the latter half of 2025, Ecsite will facilitate the co-creation of 10-15 exhibits related to mathematics. This co-creation between Ecsite members and the Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine will support the professional development of exhibition developers and designers in Ukraine. The exhibits will then travel by truck across Ukraine, bringing mathematics to communities in war-torn regions.

Donating Exhibitions to Ukraine

In 2024, with support from the Simons Foundation, Ecsite organised the donation of five exhibitions and over 40 exhibits from 11 member organisations to various locations across Ukraine. These destinations included science centres and museums, public spaces and shopping centres - all to ensure that the Ukrainian public stay engaged in science during the current conflict. 

In order to achieve this, Ecsite sourced donated exhibits and exhibitions from its member organisations, orchestrated the pick-up and delivery of the donations from various European countries to Ukraine and organised ongoing communication between the donating organisations with the Junior Academy of Sciences to ensure they could re-construct and use the exhibits and exhibitions to their full capacity. 

A highlight of this project was the launch of Project Fantasy, donated by VilVite – Bergen Science Centre, which drew over 8,000 visitors in its first month in Kyiv. We would like to thank the 10 other member organisations who donated through this programme, including: 

      • Cité de l’espace
      • iQLANDIA
      • Jærmuseet
      • Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle de Toulouse
      • Muséum national d'histoire naturelle
      • Natural History Museum London
      • Pavilhão do Conhecimento – Centro Ciência Viva
      • Technopolis
      • Universcience
      • University of Montpellier – Science & Society Department

Tailored Training Programmes

Ecsite then organised two training programmes to support the professional development of staff working in Ukrainian science centres. Fifteen participants attended the 2024 Ecsite Conference, where they took part in a personalised workshop on innovative audience engagement strategies.

Additionally, Ecsite member Copernicus Science Centre hosted an intensive and specifically tailored week-long training for five professionals, equipping them with the latest knowledge and best practices for running a science centre to share with their colleagues back home. 

Thank you to the Simons Foundation for funding these programmes. 

Do you want to Partner with us? Contact us at members@ecsite.eu



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Ecsite, 89/7, Avenue Louise, Louizalaan, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium

VAT number: BE0443 655 135

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