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.
Owain DaviesLinda LeucharsBjørn Winther JohansenLeila Schembri
Confident, experienced staff are the key ingredient to operating a successful science centre. They are essential in all areas, from front of house explainer roles to managerial and administrative staff. But how can new teams be developed in a new...
Daniel WetterskogColleen M. SchmitzKarmen Franinović
This session will present the idea of mixing exhibits from all kind of cultural institutions: Science center hands-on exhibits, artifacts from natural history museums, artifacts from technical museums, pieces of art from art museums, living...
Ignasi López VerdeguerHorst HörtnerIrene HedigerJosep PerellóPatricia Homs
A new generation of artists is emerging who are highly skilled in science and technology and who are keen to be involved in scientific research dynamics since they already perceive art along the same parameters. They are in fact already...
Antonio Gomes da CostaJosé Vítor MalheirosSuzanne de CheveignéMichelle WilsonVladimir de Semir
In this session, we will explore what “scientific culture” means for science communication institutions: Is it a form of culture, specific to scientists and researchers that science centres and museums should make available to their audiences? Or...
Looking to rent or buy travelling exhibitions? This year, we take another look at current and upcoming travelling science exhibitions across Europe. This rapid-fire session will give you a glimpse of the huge range of exhibitions on offer,...
Maria XanthoudakiAnne Lise MathieuMaria XanthoudakiBarbara StreicherMatteo MerzagoraJennifer CorreaSally DuensingHeather KingMarcin ChydzińskiPaola Rodari
Brought to you by Ecsite’s THE Group, this workshop will focus on the explainers’ profession and their work with visitors. Training will be provided through interactive activities, contributions from keynote speakers and from your fellow...
Carlo Ratti, Professor at the MIT, gave a talk entitled "Future Cities - The real-time city is now real!"
The increasing deployment of sensors and hand-held electronics in recent years is allowing a new approach to the study of the built...
Eli KuslanskyJosé-Carlos ArnalEli KuslanskyTrent LethcoWalter Staveloz
Legible Cities is a trend where the virtual world of image and data is overlaid on the physical world of environment, structures and vehicles. In Legible Cities, inhabitants, through sensors, displays, visualizations, and installations get access...
milene wendlingJAVIER HIDALGOValentina di SarnoCharles Bishop
How do planetariums integrate with their environment? What are its links with an exibition hall, heritage museum, or scientific workshop room? How do planetariums distinguish themselves and draw audiences? This session will be a discussion about...
Michel BOUFFARDSylvestre MauriceGil DENISChristophe BONNAL
With a vast number of challenging space missions and a wealth of discoveries in recent years, space is providing innovative tools for a rapidly changing world.
In this dedicated session, you are invited to a series of lively...
Sharon AmentFrancis DuranthonQingjin Meng
Some science centres and many natural history museums run exhibitions about palaeontology and archaeology, using modern methods, exhibits and new technologies to catch public attention. This session will highlight specific examples of how science...
Lech NOWICKILAURENT CHICOINEAUMassa Mufti-HamwiLaurence Muller
What can we gain by introducing the humanities to science centres, including philosophy, languages, literature, history, visual arts, music and theater? What goals can we achieve and what can we loose? Can we clothe a philosophical or literature...
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