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.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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
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...
Explainers & visitor services
Justin DillonPere ViladotMaria XanthoudakiDavid BrostromMarianne Achiam
This session will present the teaching-learning models of four different museums and science centres with a particular focus on how to underpin the work of the institution. The teaching-learning model includes aspects related to the design,...
Explainers & visitor services
David CarlsonJose XavierPatrícia AzinhagaSandra VanhoveMatteo CattadoriInga May
Amid the urgent challenges of climate change, educators must provide effective information tied to recognizable features of our planet. By combining compelling images of melting ice and snow and of key species in polar ecosystems with authentic...
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