Themes/Sub-themes
The 5SCWC theme “Science Centres as Agents of Change – Locally, Nationally, and Internationally” addresses the role science centres play to inspire and actively engage people in new ways of seeing, understanding, and thinking about themselves in a world increasingly defined by rapid globalization and technological change.
Science centres already bring science to the public, and influence the level of science dialogue in society. By going further, by involving visitors directly in the process of science – tackling real world issues, gathering scientific data, interacting with leading scientists and researchers, engaging in trial-and-error experimentation, and much more – science centres can spark curiosity, nurture interest in the wonders of science, and in the process, grow the next generation of science-confident citizens. In effect, science centres can become agents of change by helping to develop a population capable of making informed decisions regarding their personal well-being and that of the planet.
While the challenges of reinforcing relevancy and legitimacy and overcoming barriers, discussed at previous Congresses, are already strong motivators for action, the character of the challenge to make a difference locally, nationally and internationally creates even more powerful incentives to exploit the unique forum the SCWC offers.
In October 2005, the 5SCWC International Program Committee (IPC) endorsed three main strands for dialogue. These sub-themes emerged from consultation within the participating regions. In the year prior to the 5SCWC, each regional conference is asked to engage their members in discussions on these sub-themes. Ultimately, a declaration of emerging trends in the field will be released publicly during the 5SCWC, including one or more ‘resolutions’ for future action to be communicated at the end of the Congress.
The 5SCWC will emphasize the following cross-cutting sub-themes which:
- Fit the conference theme of science centres as agents of change
- Are capable of inspiring future action
- Have relevance around the world
- Will inspire program proposals and the selection of keynote speakers
- Will help position science centres as having an important role in the world of science communication and global issues
Planet Earth – Living On It, Changing It, Sustaining It
The achievement of sustainable well-being depends heavily upon economic, socio-political, and environmental conditions and processes, and on their interconnections. It also depends upon a social contract between science, and by extension science centres, and society. What are some of the platforms to engage the public in discussion and debate around topics related to the general health of our planet? How can we better position ourselves as valued resources on global issues like climate change, infectious diseases and pandemics, and natural disasters? How can we forge even stronger linkages between working scientists and science centres?
Citizen Engagement and Social Responsibility
The shift to social relevance is observable in the mission statements of many of our institutions. Science centres are becoming a resource or tool for the public; a safe, user-friendly environment people can return to repeatedly to continue learning about current issues and emerging trends in science and technology. What are some of the new models of engagement on site, off site, and online? How do we in turn inspire the science centre community, our staffs, and our supporters to collective action?
Role of Science Centres in Building the Future
A greater degree of connectivity is one of the most exciting features of the new science centre. In an effort to guide visitors towards the ‘next step’, the new experiences will take advantage of physical and virtual links giving visitors access to further information, experts, and other individuals with similar interests. Science Centres: Version 2.0? What role can science centres play in contributing to the cultivation of an informed and creative populace that is ready to understand, and respond to, the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century? How have science centres evolved in the past 40 years? What is our impact and how are measuring this? How do we expand our core audiences and extend their experience beyond the visit and beyond the walls of our institutions? How can we all assist science centres in the developing world whose access to resources may be more limited? How can we ensure that science centres around the world collaborate on key undertakings?
Expected Outcomes
New questions
New resolutions
New possibilities
New declarations