Andrea Bandelli

Mediators engage in peer-to-peer conversations with young adults visiting the art and science exhibitions at Science Gallery Dublin. Previous evaluation and anecdotal reports show that the interdisciplinary nature of these conversations fosters self-confidence and interest in academic careers. We used the Most Significant Change methodology to evaluate if working as a Mediator has an impact beyond these domains. The results show that civic engagement, interest in social justice and emotional… Meer weergeven

Mediators engage in peer-to-peer conversations with young adults visiting the art and science exhibitions at Science Gallery Dublin. Previous evaluation and anecdotal reports show that the interdisciplinary nature of these conversations fosters self-confidence and interest in academic careers. We used the Most Significant Change methodology to evaluate if working as a Mediator has an impact beyond these domains. The results show that civic engagement, interest in social justice and emotional empathy are domains of significant personal change strongly associated with the development of self-confidence and interpersonal skills. Minder weergeven

Science museums in Europe play an emerging and important role as brokers between the public and policy-making institutions and are becoming platforms that enable scientific citizenship. To do so, museums rely on the participation of their visitors. However, little is known about the relation between visitors’ interest to participate, their engagement with science, and their perceptions of the museum as a platform of scientific citizenship. This study analyzes visitors’ interest in 3 levels of… Meer weergeven

Science museums in Europe play an emerging and important role as brokers between the public and policy-making institutions and are becoming platforms that enable scientific citizenship. To do so, museums rely on the participation of their visitors. However, little is known about the relation between visitors’ interest to participate, their engagement with science, and their perceptions of the museum as a platform of scientific citizenship. This study analyzes visitors’ interest in 3 levels of participation: Sharing opinions and feedback (the museum as “forum”); co-developing programs and activities; and participating in the governance of the museum. Quantitative analysis of the data from a survey conducted among 364 adult visitors to the Science Museum in London reveals that interest in the forum function of the museum does not depend on visitors’ prior engagement with science, but rather on how the museum enables the scientific citizenship of its visitors. However, for interest in co-development the reverse was found—previous engagement and frequent visits are more important than scientific citizenship. The forum function of the museum and its perceived role in public policy further determine visitors’ interest in museum governance. Minder weergeven

Science and activism are terms which are usually seen as quite separate. Yet, they are inextricably linked, even more so as techno scientific progress permeates contemporary society. The five commentaries in this series provide insights for a discussion about how the (apparent) separation between “value laden” activism and “value free” science is in fact very thin, and how science communication can play a key role in ensuring reflexivity and self criticism in science.

Science centres and museums in Europe traditionally offer opportunities for public participation, such as dialogues, debates and workshops. In recent years, starting with the support of grants from the European Commission, the purpose of these initiatives is increasingly more connected with the policy making processes where science centres play a role as brokers between the public and other stakeholders. This article begins an investigation on how these two levels of participation – the… Meer weergeven

Science centres and museums in Europe traditionally offer opportunities for public participation, such as dialogues, debates and workshops. In recent years, starting with the support of grants from the European Commission, the purpose of these initiatives is increasingly more connected with the policy making processes where science centres play a role as brokers between the public and other stakeholders. This article begins an investigation on how these two levels of participation – the participation of museums in policy, and the participation of visitors in museums – are related in seven European science centres and museums. The results suggest that science centres and museums are regarded by their visitors as potential platforms to facilitate public participation in policy, especially in countries where the general infrastructure for public participation in science is weak. Minder weergeven

How can we create better platforms for interactions between science and art?
What happens when scientists, artists, designers and students work together and create opportunities for public engagement?

We address these questions with the evaluation of Studiolab, a European project that supported collaborative science and art initiatives from 2011 to 2014.
Marking a departure from traditional evaluation reports, this book documents in an innovative and accessible way what has been… Meer weergeven

How can we create better platforms for interactions between science and art?
What happens when scientists, artists, designers and students work together and create opportunities for public engagement?

We address these questions with the evaluation of Studiolab, a European project that supported collaborative science and art initiatives from 2011 to 2014.
Marking a departure from traditional evaluation reports, this book documents in an innovative and accessible way what has been learned from the creative interactions developed in Studiolab. Minder weergeven

Science centers and museums are currently experimenting to strengthen the participation of the public in two-way conversations between the public and the institution. Eventually, these activities will lead to a stronger role of the public in the decision-making process of the museum. We analyzed the current situation faced by science museums in Europe in light of the recent discourse on public engagement with science and identified the main barriers and obstacles that prevent actual decision… Meer weergeven

Science centers and museums are currently experimenting to strengthen the participation of the public in two-way conversations between the public and the institution. Eventually, these activities will lead to a stronger role of the public in the decision-making process of the museum. We analyzed the current situation faced by science museums in Europe in light of the recent discourse on public engagement with science and identified the main barriers and obstacles that prevent actual decision making of the public within the institutions. Finally, we discuss suggestions for solutions. Minder weergeven

Science centers and museums are developing new strategies to increase inclusiveness, to engage the public more actively and to respond to the need to present contemporary science and research as part of their public programs. In order to do so, they need to increase the level of public participation not only to inform the development of specific exhibitions and programs, but also to share authority in their interpretive and decision-making process. However, existing models of governance do not… Meer weergeven

Science centers and museums are developing new strategies to increase inclusiveness, to engage the public more actively and to respond to the need to present contemporary science and research as part of their public programs. In order to do so, they need to increase the level of public participation not only to inform the development of specific exhibitions and programs, but also to share authority in their interpretive and decision-making process. However, existing models of governance do not allow for a formal role of the public in the decision making process. We review current practices in Europe and argue that a new model of governance for science centers is needed where public participation and consultation activities are integral components alongside the board, director and staff. Minder weergeven