Science Centre
Where citizens and science come to meet
ANNETTE KLINKERT
All over Europe, science-society en ga g em en t enhances the self- awareness and innovation capaci- ties of dynamic cities and regions. In the effort to establish European
“Cities of Scientific Culture,” science communication is no longer just a tool to educate the public. Instead, it’s increasingly being
used as a strategic instrument for public engagement in decision making processes. By focusing on two-way dialogues, Pilot Activities within the four-year, EU-funded PLACES project functioned as innovative test beds for participa- tion and engagement, turning cities into swirling laboratories of ideas. In many cities, Pilot Activities
catalysed debates about the role of science in open societies. Tey nur- tured new forms of expression and created bridges between the research community, civil society organisa- tions and the general public. Urban developers, philosophers, artists, architects, film makers, writers and poets entered the scene and inspired new methodologies and approaches among citizens and scientists. In addition to opening research
and innovation to citizens of all ages and backgrounds, the Pilot Activities encouraged scientists gain awareness of their own roles and responsibili- ties in regional contexts. By getting actively involved in
debates, workshops, lectures and urban development processes, scientists achieved a new under- standing of political decision making processes and the specific social challenges of their communities. If the Local Action Plans provide
the masterplan for the European ”City of Scientific Culture,” then the Pilot Activities function as a practi- cal ”tool-box” to effectively realise this plan through a joint effort of scientists, policy makers, citizens and cultural institutions.
Annette Klinkert, CEO, City2Science, Bielefeld, Germany
18 Boston MoS plans 4D cinema
The Museum of Science in Boston is to open a new 98-seat 4D cinema in August. It will use technology from Toronto-based SimEx-Iwerks Entertainment, combining a high-definition 3D film with sensory effects built into the seats and cinema environ- ment. Te current 3D digital cinema at the museum will close on 30 March as a result. The cost of installation
is $2.5m (€1.8m, £1.5m), including the cost of reno- vating the cinema. Te museum says the films
it will show will be “both educational and fun,” open- ing with aquatic adventure Planet Earth: Shallow Seas 4D Experience as well as charac- ter-based offerings Dora & Diego’s 4D Adventure and Happy Feet 4D Experience.
Te museum began as the Boston Society of Natural History in 1830 Aspen Art Museum plans
to move to a larger facility, with the new exhibition space opening on 9 August. Jonathan Burke, vice
president for visitor experi- ence and operations at the museum, says the films aim
to “innovatively incorpo- rate” every human sense. “When a whale breaches on screen, guests will feel the ocean spray. If it’s snowing on screen, it will even be snowing in the theatre,” he says. Details:
http://lei.sr?a=T7S4G
Glasgow celebrates record visitor figures
Glasgow Science Centre has reaped the rewards of a busy 12 months of new collabo- rations and installations to achieve a record-breaking year for visitor numbers. Te centre reported 305,485
admissions since April 2013, marking a 12 per cent year on year increase that ensured this was its busiest year since it first opened in 2001. In the last 12 months, the
centre has swelled its visitor numbers through the open- ing of its £2m BodyWorks exhibition, entering into partnership with Cineworld to operate the Imax, starting the refurbishment of Glasgow Tower and fundraising for its next major exhibition.
Almost 76,000 school pupils from across Scotland visited last year “BodyWorks is one of the
most advanced exhibitions of its kind and has captured the imagination of children, and adults alike. It has been
a big draw for our visitors across the year,” said the chief executive at Glasgow Science Centre Dr Stephen Breslin. Details:
http://lei.sr?a=W2R4W
Science museums put focus on food, nutrition
As part of the EU-funded Inprofood project – which aims to bring together research, industry and civil society to solve Europe’s food- related health challenges,
Read Attractions Management online
attractionsmanagement.com/digital
including obesity and related diseases – Ecsite, the European network of science centres and museums, has created an engaging PlayDecide dis- cussion game. Designed for
visitors between the ages of 14 and 21, the game stimulates discussion around tough food issues such as eating disorders, food waste and sustainable eat- ing. Details:
http://lei.sr?a=H7P7e
AM 2 2014 ©Cybertrek 2014
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