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.
The condemnation of six scientists for “multiple manslaughter” as a consequence of their failure to warn citizens about the Aquila earthquake in Italy took many by surprise. The ruling, regardless of what happens in the future of this case, will...
Gérard CobutJunko AnsoIrena CieślińskaAnna SchaefersReinoud Magosse
Can we dream of a perfect exhibition text? Different museums and science centres have different ideas of what a good text is, the scientist whose research is reflected might have other ideas altogether, while in a family of four visitors, there...
Maria XanthoudakiBrad IrwinMiha KosAntonio Gomes da Costa
The explainer’s profile and professional development constitute an ever-evolving topic not only for Ecsite’s THE Group, but also of institutions that employ explainers of diverse ages, preparation times, skill levels, and sometimes...
Karolina PerrinJochen HungerKaren WilkinsonJean-michel Molenaar
There is a novel approach to the design of exhibitions and to the vulgarization of science.
The Fab Lab movement, initiated by MIT researcher Neil Gershenfeld in the late 90s is starting to have an impact on the way interactive...
The 21st century has seen increasing awareness and concern about the human impact upon the environment. Many scientists argue that we are entering the sixth great mass extinction and that anthropogenic climate change is one of the major threats...
Eric SiegelKian Tiong PANGClara Lim
can we translate momentous events and concepts in science and technology into experiences that people can enjoy and understand? Some of us use artifacts, interactivity, scenography or dioramas. Many of us have artifact-rich exhibitions with...
Marketing & communication
LAURENT CHICOINEAURonald Kleverlaan
Every innovation needs financing. Some (local) governments offer loans or subsidies to researchers to realize their dreams while some people receive investments or gifts from friends and family. But in the current financial crisis it can be...
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...
Marketing & communication
Colin JohnsonKatarzyna ModrakHeli SeppäläMeike MoorsLise Kinch
Knowledge of our audiences is hard currency. We must know our target groups in order to motivate the public to visit our exhibitions and to attract their attention. How do we best obtain this knowledge so that we ensure that our campaigns have...
Judy BrownJen DeWittSheena Laursen
Gender equality continues as a contentious issue in modern society, particularly with regard to women in science and research. Science centres and museums throughout the world play a crucial role in overcoming prejudices about science and...
Micol MolinariMichaela LivingstoneKatrina NilssonKaren DaviesEnrico TombesiMegumi MurashimaAkihiro Osaki
Science centres and museums play an important role in engaging the public with science, by connecting researchers and society. Programs must be designed to be attractive to the public, however, good communication skills are also essential for...
Sally DuensingSara CalcagniniDominique Botbol
Developing a permanent exhibition is a crucial moment for most museums. Developers face many challenges which range from how to communicate science content in a permanent, engaging and accessible way. In contemporary society this challenge...
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