ASPAC Conferences

ASPAC 08: National Science Museum, Thailand

Thailand's National Science Museum will host the 2008 ASPAC Conference.

Science centers and museums: sustainability into the future

1-5 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 enables us to celebrate the success and diversity of science centers and museums across the region. An exciting program of plenary and parallel sessions brings together the latest thinking on the sustainability challenges we face and our opportunities for the future. The Conference sub-themes are:

Leadership towards a sustainable future

A 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 development

Sessions will focus 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 collaboration

Sessions will bring 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 provides an opportunity to share information about travelling exhibitions and to consider new collaborative exhibition projects.

Innovative strategies to attract new audiences

At ASPAC Conference 2007, some sessions initiated a focus on this sub-theme. Sessions will focus 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? You are encouraged to provide a brief (5 minute) video presentation, highlighting your recent initiative.

The National Science Museum (NSM), Thailand invites 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 will be held at NSM in Technopolis, Pathum Thani Province, 40 kilometers north of Bangkok. The Conference program will provide 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
Director of Science Communication and International Relations
National Science Museum, Thailand
Technopolis, Khlong 5, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, 12120 Thailand
T +66 2 577 9999 ext 1850 -1852
F +66 2 577 9990
E-mail: ganigar.c@nsm.or.th, ganigar@hotmail.com, aspac2008@nsm.or.th

ASPAC 07: Miraikan, Japan

Bridging the Gap in Innovative Ways

19-22 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.

Host

The 2007 ASPAC Conference was hosted by Miraikan, with part of the programme held at the National Science Museum.

More information

Conference website.

ASPAC 06: Scitech, Australia

Looking in, reaching out

10-13 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, Engaging

The 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 Out

Science 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 Project

How 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 information

The 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 Museum

Science Centres: Nurturing Creativity

1-4 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 Information

Conference website.