Art and neuroscience share associative aspects of perception, which can transfer into new experiences for the general public. When art meets neuroscience, a stimulating breeding ground is created, which involves more than a work of art simply...
Over the last years, the development of technological tools for bridging the gap between science education, communication and frontier research has had a profound impact on the process of learning. In this session, we will introduce advanced...
We’re in the century of networks: energy networks, communication networks, information networks… and networks of museums and science centres! How do we ensure these are truly mature networks, rather than isolated, unconnected nodes?...
Science centres and museums are increasingly active in lobbying on a European and international level. Work done with the Commission through European projects, Ecsite’s Parliament Event in February 2009, the presence of Ecsite and the World Ocean...
Natural history museums and science centres stress that biodiversity deserves protection. Many museums display old specimens, sometimes of extinct species. Can they take the risk of using those “unfortunate ambassadors of biodiversity” to engage...
How do we communicate science and involve citizens in the latest developments of scientific research? Theatrical science communication, participation techniques, mobile bus laboratories and science circus are presented – live and in action...
Museum objects have many stories to tell, but scientific and technological objects do not always readily reveal their stories to visitors. New media interfaces provide an opportunity to interpret objects in more depth, but there are risks in...
Eco-designing an exhibition means factoring in the ecological footprint of the exhibition’s manufacture, from its creation through to recycling. In this session, we will try to provide pointers on the additional constraint of eco-designing...
Many science centres and museums work with real scientists as a source of knowledge for developing exhibitions, interactive activities and public meetings with visitors. Scientists have a detailed knowledge of their field, they know about the...
Efficient planning of resources in science centres is very important, certainly in times of economic crisis. Visitor numbers have the biggest influence on the use of resources. Forecasting of visitor numbers is thus crucial. The presenters in...
What is the value of intellectual property in the science centre industry? What are the risks of buying copies of exhibits? What are the risks for fabricators of going “open source”? If we acknowledge the source of an exhibit idea, is...
Today’s popular and academic literature is filled with a broad spectrum of opinions about how technology is changing our culture. The implications for museums are potentially wide-ranging and profound. This session will investigate how trends in...