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ASPAC ConferencesASPAC 09: National Science and Technology Museum, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Taiwan's National Science and Technology Museum will host the 2009 ASPAC Conference.
Collaborative Innovation and Partnerships26-29 May 2009 In a world of rapid change, science centres and museums need to be continually innovative, developing new approaches to presenting cutting-edge science, to designing and delivering programs which engage their communities according to their learning interests, and to applying new communications technologies to extend their reach. Successful innovations offer more than novelty value, they offer real benefits that address real needs and issues of individuals, communities and economies. By building collaborative relationships with other science centres and museums in the region, with private enterprises as well as universities, we can sustain and grow our capacity to address the needs of our society. Regional science centre networks have always been an important way to facilitate dialogue and cooperation among science centres and museums. How can we further develop our cooperation and coordination to enhance our individual and collective impacts? The Conference sub-themes are: Social ResponsibilityWhat role can science centres and museums play in reflecting or supporting community views? In what ways can science centres and museums increase their impact and relevance for the whole community, including minorities and economically underprivileged groups within the community? Partnerships and SupportIn our region, there are many and diverse approaches to developing partnerships with other science centres and museums, with private enterprises and with research institutions. In what ways can we learn from one another and utilise our diverse approaches to enhance our operations? In what ways can we harness the time and skills of volunteers and other resources within our community to benefit our visitors? Sustainable ResourcesAround the world, there is a growing realization that urgent responses are required to address key global issues. How can science centres and museums serve as a tool for public understanding and action on issues such as climate change? What approaches can we adopt, with one another and with our community partners, to address global sustainability issues? Innovative ApproachesWhat are the innovative ways in which science centres and museums are approaching staff training and development, fundraising, the design and development of exhibitions and programs, the marketing of travelling exhibitions, the presentation and communication of cutting-edge science, etc? In what ways are we collaborating to assist with such innovation? Pre-Conference MeetingsTuesday 26 May 2009 There will be a meeting of the ASPAC Executive Council from 10.00 am to 2.30 pm. The Director or representative of each Full Member is invited to attend the ASPAC General Council Meeting from 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm. Post-Conference ToursSaturday 30 May 2009 Pre-registration will be required for the following tours:
Further Information Visit the official Conference website for further information or contact the ASPAC Conference Organiser by email. ASPAC 08: National Science Museum, ThailandScience centers and museums: sustainability into the future1-5 April, 2008 Recent times have seen the remarkable growth and development of a modern generation of science centers and museums throughout the world and, in particular, our Asia Pacific region. The founding of ASPAC just over 10 years ago recognised the significance of this phenomena to the progress and well-being of our nations and our region. One word, more than any other, is critical to our future – sustainability. Our world is increasingly recognising that the meeting of fundamental human needs and the preserving of Earth’s life support systems require an urgent focus on sustainability. A new field of sustainability science is evolving that seeks to understand interactions between nature and society and to encourage those interactions along sustainable trajectories. The continuation of our institutions will depend on how well we embrace sustainability as a key driver in all that we do – in providing relevance for the communities we serve, in the way we operate our facilities and programs, in the way we partner and work with others. ASPAC Conference 2008 enabled us to celebrate the success and diversity of science centers and museums across the region. An exciting program of plenary and parallel sessions brought together the latest thinking on the sustainability challenges we face and our opportunities for the future. The Conference sub-themes were: Leadership towards a sustainable futureA forum for CEOs and managers will focus on strategic issues affecting the sustainability of their science centers and museums, and an agenda of collective action to address these issues. Science communication and its developmentSessions focussed on science communication research and best practice, on approaches to the training and development of science communicators, and on evaluating the success and impact of our science centers and museums in communicating science. Exhibition development and collaborationSessions brought together CEOs, exhibit designers and all those involved in exhibit development to share ideas and best practice, and to develop new ideas. This sub-theme provided an opportunity to share information about travelling exhibitions and to consider new collaborative exhibition projects. Innovative strategies to attract new audiencesAt ASPAC Conference 2007, some sessions initiated a focus on this sub-theme. Sessions focussed on sharing our recent endeavours and strategies to attract new audiences. What recent exhibitions and activities have succeeded in engaging new audiences in science? How do they differ from other exhibitions and activities and what are the factors for their success? The National Science Museum (NSM), Thailand invited all ASPAC members and all who are interested in the work of science centres and museums to ASPAC Conference 2008 and to the “Land of Smiles”. The Conference was be held at NSM in Technopolis, Pathum Thani Province, 40 kilometers north of Bangkok. The Conference program provided opportunities to visit the National Science Centre for Education and the Childrens Museum in Bangkok, as well as to participate in authentic Thai experiences in celebration of the Thai New Year “Songkran’s Festival”. For up-to-date information and to register, go to the ASPAC Conference 2008 website: http://www.nsm.or.th/ASPAC/conference.html Enquiries:Ms.Ganigar Chen ASPAC 07: Miraikan, JapanBridging the Gap in Innovative Ways19-22 June, 2007 Using science as a foundation, our challenge was to discover fresh methods to bridge the gaps and build relationships between scientists, visitors, students, the public and science museums. In this conference, the theme went beyond communities or borders, as we dedicated ourselves to find and share innovative ways to foster scientific interest. HostThe 2007 ASPAC Conference was hosted by Miraikan, with part of the programme held at the National Science Museum. More informationConference website. ASPAC 06: Scitech, AustraliaLooking in, reaching out10-13 May 2006 The aim of this conference was to explore the concept of the science centre, why we do what we do and better ways to engage and excite the public about science and technology. There were different themes on each of the four days: Sending the Right Message“Science communication” is a buzz phrase that science and technology centres freely use to express what it is that they do. But what is the role of “science communication” in a science centre? And how do we know that what we are doing is working? The day will provide an opportunity to explore the role of science centres in our cities, why we communicate science and the importance of scientific literacy in our communities. Creating, Delivering, EngagingThe main product created by a science centre is its exhibits, and a science centre’s strength is judged on the quality and diversity of its exhibits and exhibitions. This day will examine different types of exhibits and exhibitions, from static displays to full body engagement in virtual reality experiences. Aspects will include travelling exhibitions and the use of technology in exhibits and science centre experiences. Reaching OutScience centres are not just about the visitors who come through the doors. They’re about the whole community, from schools through to corporate business. Developing partnerships and getting our message out is a key issue for every science centre to manage. This day will investigate making the most of our current partnerships and how to develop new ones, and will look into innovative outreach programs for visitors outside our centres. The day will include a visit to see Scitech’s outreach program in action at a school in the Perth area. Tackling Challenging Topics, APEC Science Centre Impact ProjectHow do science centres and museums engage with their visitors on new breakthroughs in science and technology, on controversial issues in science and technology, or on topics that are intrinsically complex and difficult? This day will allow you to explore this question, through presentations from keynote speakers as well as small group discussions. Participants will be asked to contribute their ideas for the 2006-07 research for the APEC Science Centre Impact project: http://www.aspacnet.org/apec More informationThe conference program is available (152 kb, pdf). Questacon have a blog of the conference sessions and there is a conference website. ASPAC 04: Hong Kong Science MuseumScience Centres: Nurturing Creativity1-4 December 2004 The Hong Kong Science Museum hosted the 5th Asia Pacific Network of Science and Technology Centres (ASPAC) Conference from 1 to 4 December in Hong Kong. The conference provided an opportunity for ASPAC member institutions to meet and exchange views and methodologies on promoting science to the general public. 'Science Centres: Nurturing Creativity' was the main theme of the conference. For more information contact: More InformationConference website. |
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