Annual Conference sessions
Browse all conference sessions since 2010
Science ♥ society
2019
"The blob: a genius without a brain".
2019
"Mathematics as Material Play"
Equity & Inclusion
2019
A blindfolded experience to grasp visual accessibility requirements.
Business & fundraising
2019
The session explores different models for financing our institutions and tackling the biggest challenges we face in the search for a diversified and balanced model.
Strategy & vision
2019
The Supreme Court of the Ecsite Conference will decide whether virtual reality (VR) in museums and science centres is visceral reality providing vital reactions, or just virtually rudimentary and very rubbish.
Research, theory & evaluation
2018
James Beacham is a particle physicist involved in the ATLAS experiment at CERN. Watch a video of his keynote.
Science ♥ society
2018
“Go forth and collide, Multiply and create” is the motto of our Science Assembly. Inspired by religious revival meetings, we will offer you songs, laughter, inspiration, and meaning.
Exhibit development
2018
Are you facilitating creative team processes? Tired of always using the same old tricks? Interested in the wider potential of creative techniques? This session is for you.
Strategy & vision
2018
What is the future of science centre exhibitions? Do we need to stick to scientific phenomena, or focus on high tech and current science? Do we concentrate on objects or interaction? Or are physical exhibitions becoming obsolete in the digital era?
Research, theory & evaluation
2017
Professor Alice Roberts is an anthropologist, author and broadcaster, and Professor of Public Engagement in Science at the University of Birmingham. Watch a video of her keynote.
Science ♥ society
2017
Nina Simon has been described as a “museum visionary” by Smithsonian Magazine for her audience-centred approach to design. Watch a video of her keynote.
Research, theory & evaluation
2016
Dr. Frans de Waal is a Dutch-American biologist and primatologist known for his work on the behaviour and social cognition of primates. Speech title: Prosocial Primates: The Cooperative Background of Our Species
Equity & Inclusion
2016
Dr. Elizabeth Rasekoala is the President of African Gong – the Pan-African Network for the Popularisation of Science & Technology, and Science Communication. Watch a video of her keynote.
2015
Andrea Illy is the Chairman and CEO of illycaffè S.p.A., a family coffee business founded more than 80 years ago. Watch his speech on Ecsite's YouTube channel.
Strategy & vision
2014
Professor Ian Goldin is Director of the Oxford Martin School and Professor of Globalisation and Development at Oxford University. He delivered a speech entitled "Individual and Collective Wisdom and Failure".
Science ♥ society
2014
Ahmet Üzümcü is the Director general of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The OPCW is the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize 2013.
Strategy & vision
2013
Dominique Pestre is a social and political historian.Hos speech was entitled "What kind of innovation for the Anthropocene?". Watch the keynote on the Ecsite YouTube channel.
Strategy & vision
2013
Susan Greenfield is a neuroscientist at the University of Oxford and delivered a speech entitled “ The neuroscience of creativity – Making the most of 21st century technology”. Watch the keynote on the Ecsite YouTube channel.
Strategy & vision
2012
Martin Rees, Professor of Cosmology and Astrophysics at the University of Cambridge, gave a speech entitled "Space exploration, life and the cosmos".
Strategy & vision
2012
Carlo Ratti, Professor at the MIT, gave a talk entitled "Future Cities - The real-time city is now real!"
Science ♥ society
2011
Derrick de Kerckhove, Professor at the Department of French and former Director of the McLuhan Program in Culture and Technology at the University of Toronto, gave a speech entitled "Navigating among the shoals and reefs of social, state and business controls in science and technology".
Strategy & vision
2011
Michael Jones Chief Technology Advocate, Google, gave a speech entitled "The Billionth Visitor".
The first Ecsite Conference took place in 1989. Here you can browse all Conference sessions since 2010. Use the search engine to look for people, topics...
Looking for an older session? Our digital records start in 2007, with programme pdfs attached to each conference page.
Khalil ThirlawayBarbara StreicherSheena LaursenKhalil Thirlaway
An ideation workshop focusing on creative approaches to engaging audiences with topics that might be considered controversial or challenging, such as the social/political/economic aspects of our relationships with nature, health and technology....
Explainers & visitor services
Giasemi VavoulaCecilia EkstrandTorhild SkåtunGène BertrandStamatina AnastopoulouCatherine Oualian
Remote and virtual engagements during the pandemic changed how visitors interact with the science centre. In its aftermath, we are left with new digital tools at our disposal to shape experiences that blend digital and physical interactions and...
The Ecsite Annual General Meeting (AGM) is open to all Ecsite members.
Only Full members of Ecsite have voting rights.
Sophie PerryDerek FishYuko OkayamaLiesbeth de Bakker
The Covid-19 pandemic clearly impacted everyday science learning as many institutions had to seek alternatives to face-to-face interactions and adapt their offerings due to lockdown measures. In such times, collaboration between researchers and...
Mikko MyllykoskiANA MARIA NAVAS IANNINIJussi KahlosErminia Pedretti
This workshop session will cover the topics of scientific literacy, science communication and science exhibition typologies. Through the exploration of a controversial science exhibit about mental health we will invite participants to reflect...
Ines MontalvaoDaniel RosqvistClaire PillsburyCarla Molins-PitarchMarco MirandaMichael Bradke
This is part two of an in-depth session where we will find out where participants stand when it comes to prototyping; what it encompasses in theoretical terms and also in practice. Through a deeper understanding of this concept and how we...
Sheena LaursenElin Ravndal BellClaire Förster
Can we attract people we don’t usually reach and are there different ways to be accessible? This session will bring examples of different approaches and ways of reaching out to families, young people and children who don’t usually visit our...
Research, theory & evaluation
Marios PapaevripidouYvoni PavlouShaun UssherKatarzyna Potega vel Zabik
Transforming science education to address 21st century challenges is one of the top priorities of our field. Evaluation is a key component to ensure the successful development and application of relevant initiatives. However, it is often...
Raphael ChanayLottie DodwellLauren SouterFloriane PerotCaroline BreunesseSophie RADIX
Many science museums are currently working on the issue of children's museography around art objects and collections. This session proposes to explore the different questions, barriers and opportunities that these projects face. How to marry...
Author Lucy Hawking makes science accessible and entertaining to young readers through her ‘George’ book series of fantasy adventure novels based on real science. Written in collaboration with world-leading scientists including her father, the...
Claire PillsburyMikko Myllykoski
Come, take a stand, and win others on your side. House of Commons engages you to take part in debating the burning issues of our field. Everybody is an MP at the Ecsite Parliament!
The Speakers of the House of Commons – will present...
Joseph RocheFiona SmythLuisa MassaraniItaru MasudaMarina JoubertLenna CumberbatchAndres Roldan
This session will address current societal challenges including inequality, climate change and vaccines. It draws together science communicators from different parts of the world to recount their experiences in science communication, and share...
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