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
Gunnar BehrensIan RussellIrena CieślińskaAnna Schaefers
You only have so much time to help visitors understand how to use an exhibit before they turn away in fustration. How can 3D design, graphics and text be used to help visitors engage with your exhibit without patronizing or asking too much of...
Julie MoskalykOlle NordbergJulie MoskalykStephen Pizzey
Travelling exhibitions have many challenges. What happens when borrowing and lending parties have different expectations regarding prices? Is there a risk of important information being lost in translation? What are standard staffing and...
Kati TyystjärviLiisa JuustilaJulie MoskalykDRONEAU PHILIPPE
The role of a science centre in its local community is a many-sided issue. Recently it has been discussed in connection to PLACES, a European project developing a common platform for science centres and museums, local actors and citizens....
Ed SobeyMoeko TABATAVarda Gur Ben Shitrit
The role of science centres is not limited to the four walls of a building. They have the expertise to make their engagement activities work from a distance, to go to where the people are, and to reach wider and new audiences, switching them on...
This session is an opportunity for those involved in the operation of small science centres to exchange ideas, learn new developments and renew contacts. Centres with astronomy, space science or related themes will be approached for contributions...
Ed SobeyEd SobeyANNA PORROGiorgia Bellentani
This panel aims to show some innovative approaches linking art, science, and creativity for kids and schools. The connection between art and science is developed on a double track process: through a hands-on method – typical of the teaching of...
According to the literature, science centres tend to achive meaningful motivational and learning results among school groups only if teachers have prepared for the visit using both pre- and post-visit materials. Teacher training is key in this...
Research, theory & evaluation
Sally DuensingVarda Gur Ben Shitrit
Three case studies will explore applying research and evaluation insights into exhibit design. Analysis will cover unexpected outcomes as well as intended aims to highlight the tools and theories applied in a variety of environments....
Marzia MazzonettoPaola RodariAndrea Bandelli
Science centres and museums are promoting themselves as platforms for governance, citizen participation and dialogue on the relationship between nature, science and society. What are examples of success, in which museums and science centres have...
Ana NoronhaMarjolein van BreemenPedro RussoChristophe Chaffardon
The cosmos has always been a source of inspiration for mankind. Science and technology have produced spacecraft, robots, telescopes and antennas, making space exploration a reality and bringing space applications into our daily lives. Could that...
Jan RiiseJan RiiseMarie-Pauline GacoinVarda Gur Ben ShitritMichel Claessens
This session is about the specific challenges of communicating “big science” of the large-scale research infrastructures. It will include aspects like public understanding and acceptance as well as the challenges of talking about...
Jamie BellTanja van der WoudeGabriel PicotPriya Mohabir
Informal science centres are great places to use media in education and training. In this session we will highlight informal science initiatives that promote digital and media competence at different levels of education. Participants will have an...
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