Many people think that science is not for people like them: they are not the ‘right’ gender, they do not have the ‘right’ background, or they are perhaps not ‘good enough’ students. In this session, we will highlight why thinking about identities...
In this reverse session, explainers and other staff responsible for face-to-face interaction on the exhibition floor are invited to reflect on the trends and future challenges of our field. What might be the implications for daily practice, or...
Sometimes in a science centre or nearby there is one huge exhibit: a planetarium, hosting at least a few dozen visitors simultaneously. How to treat it? Is it a separate place with distinct aims from the rest of the science centre or does it...
New format: in the five first minutes of the session, audience, convenor and speakers decide which goal(s) the panel should reach within the given time.
Many activists use scientific evidence to promote social change. Other pressure groups...
Natural history museums are more than simple storehouses – they share a mission of promoting appreciation, understanding and conservation of the natural world. But are we getting this across to our visitors? In this reverse session, round tables...
Science centres are constantly questioning their strategic plans and repositioning their institutions to answer today’s ever-evolving economic and social context. Have the ingredients of this “nouvelle cuisine” – stakeholders and audiences –...
Working with a variety of partners is the key for advancing our missions and engaging culturally and socio-economically diverse audiences. Partnerships with schools, industry, foundations and public authorities aim to support integration of...
Children are the best innovators and inventors! We only need to help them put their amazing imaginations to use, in a stimulating environment, with suitable tools and materials, sensitive guidance and a little coaching. Too often, adults overlook...
Encouraging youngsters to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) related studies and careers is a challenge faced by most European countries. How can this objective be achieved?
This session focuses on the role...
Tristram Stuart is an author and campaigner tackling the food waste scandal. Watch a video of his keynote.
Stuart's organisation is called ...
The dinner table is an excellent venue for communication, but science is seldom the topic of choice. Yet a full table offers many objects and utensils, not to mention food, which can be used to present a variety of scientific topics. In this...
Science centres are wonderful places to ignite curiosity and raise awareness about science or technology topics. But how good are they when it comes to stimulating visitors to start their own projects, to build with others or to co-create with a...