Explainers & visitor services
Joanna KalinowskaErinma OchuGiota MakriNatalie IrelandDavid Tombolato
In recent years the number of social participation projects related to science have increased dramatically. Does this surge come as a result of the media? Do social participation projects in science have a positive effect on society in that...
Operations & finance
Many Ecsite conference delegates are not from the ‘big name’ science centres. This session will discuss how small and medium-sized science centres manage financial constraints. It will also highlight some of the unique opportunities and...
Explainers & visitor services
Marie HobsonRooske FranseHeather KingJustin DillonMaria Xanthoudaki
In search for an in-depth experience
Visitors to science centres and museums choose their preferred activities and design their own learning experiences. To support visitors, most institutions aspire to an environment that combines...
Maria XanthoudakiRobert SzczesnyJim ShortMaya HalevyMarjolein van Breemen
The session explores formal-informal partnerships by sharing models of how to work together to support the core curriculum of schools and to advance the core mission of science centres. Three cases will illuminate the topic: Urban Advantage...
Equity & Inclusion
Matteo Merzagora
This interactive session is run by the Ecsite thematic group on human interfaces and explainers , THE Group. Prepare to examine the role of explainers in fighting exclusion of underrepresented groups – including those from underprivileged...
Equity & Inclusion
Anna OmedesPere ViladotCristina Da MilanoRichard Pering
How do science centres and museums contribute to social change and fight against social exclusion? Which projects help the more vulnerable sectors of the community? This session will showcase a few initiatives: The Science Museum of London...
Antonietta MonteleoneMeg WilsonJessica ChristensenBerend ReijnhoudtLaurent DONDEYMark Katz
The business of entertainment has never been so educational. With digital cinema projection equipment now very affordable and easily acquired, cinemas in museums and science centres are programming mission-related documentary films which are a...
Exhibit development
Nicolas KösterSilke PetzoldSusanne NawrathKathrin MeyerMichał Buława
Many science centres are very critical of using scenography or atmospheric room design. The main concern is that the visitor will be distracted from the interactive exhibit itself. However, other science centres feel the necessity to upgrade...
Equity & Inclusion
Barbara StreicherRick HallHeidrun SchulzeMikko Myllykoski
If they don´t visit us – let’s go visit them! Find out what happened when four science organisations chose to be temporarily present in local communities, offering free, playful learning opportunities in empty spaces of under-served urban areas,...
Research, theory & evaluation
Sheena Laursen
Where do guests spend most time when they visit museum and science centres? What occupies wild girls and what engages the shy boys? What are the ‘hit’ and ‘miss’ places in your science centre? In this session, we investigate how to measure these...
Explainers & visitor services
Wenche FivelsdalIngrid EikelandMikko MyllykoskiEmily Dawson
Do you know who is walking through your doors? Do you know what motivates your guests to visit? Do you know their prior knowledge, their benefits and attitudes? Do you know what their learning preferences are? Can we really learn from...
Explainers & visitor services
Nathalie CapletDorotea BlankSamuela CaliariBaerbel AuffermannElin RobertsScott Mckenzie-CookTijana PopovicAlessandra Crusi
Science centres and museums need to innovate to attract new audiences and compete with other places that draw children and adults. Evening/night events appear to be quite successful for our institutions, as well as turning up in unexpected places...