Update - June 2008
Final Countdown!
It’s hard to believe that the final countdown is on for the June 15 start of the Fifth Science Centre World Congress in Toronto. The excitement here has been mounting in anticipation of this event; delegates from more than 40 countries have registered so far, and the program is now finalized and at the printers. We are still encouraging people to register for this stimulating Congress which brings people in our field together only once every three years and won’t return to North America until 2026.
This is the first time that a Science Centre World Congress is being held in North America. For some, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact face-to-face with colleagues from around the world. Congress sessions are not only relevant to science centres but also to educators, researchers and anyone interested in increasing public engagement with science.
We are delighted with the diversity of our delegates and speakers: Approximately 7% are coming from Australia and New Zealand, 8% from South America, 10% from Africa, 13% from Asia, 21% from Europe, and 41% from North America. This presents an opportunity for both the current and the future generation of leaders to develop relationships around the world.
As you may have already noticed on the website, Stephen Lewis will deliver the keynote speech Social Responsibility and Science Centres. The former UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa is one of the world’s most influential and passionate speakers on human rights and social justice. He is known to energize and inspire audiences to make a difference in the world around them.
We are also looking forward to Jennifer Corriero’s keynote presentation The Role of Science Centres in Creating the Future. Sometimes referred to as a “digital dignitary”, Jennifer is the founder of TakingITGlobal, a non-profit organization that fosters youth involvement in global issues through the use technology. The “Net Generation” is using social networking platforms as a way to collaborate and interact with peers around the world. As educators and innovators, science centres are increasingly adopting these techniques to engage youth with science and technology. Jennifer’s perspective will challenge us to think new ways to appeal to this generation.
For the first time, the global science centre community will make a statement of shared beliefs and commitment in the form of the Toronto Declaration—an inspirational agenda to motivate other organizations to view science centres as important resources on global issues. The Declaration will be read at the closing ceremony of the 5SCWC and delegates will be invited to sign on in support of the declaration. It will then be posted on the 5SCWC and network websites so that members can continue to add their names and institutions in support. All future Science Centre World Congresses will result in such a declaration, which will be both a benchmark and a guide for our field in the following three years.
For those of you who have yet to visit Toronto, or who haven’t been here in the last few years, there are lots of great things to see. Transformation has not just occurred at the Ontario Science Centre; some of Toronto’s recent noteworthy changes include the Michael Lee Chin Crystal at the Royal Ontario Museum, the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, and the Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art, among many others.
Delegates will have an opportunity to visit Science North in Sudbury, Ontario, which is offering professional development sessions following the World Congress. Come enjoy a Northern Ontario party with special guests, food and entertainment with a distinctly Canadian flavour. One of the stunning features of Science North is the underground tunnel blasted through 2.3 billion-year-old bedrock, leading to the centre. Then, at the nearby Dynamic Earth attraction, descend seven storeys into a dramatic rock chasm while viewing an all-new state-of-the art multimedia show.
We look forward to welcoming you on June 15 at the opening reception at the Ontario Science Centre.
Regards,
Lesley Lewis
Chair, 5SCWC, CEO, Ontario Science Centre
Read Lesley Lewis' other Congress updates: