SEPTEMBER 2007
Contents
Inside DNA: A Genomic Revolution
Ecsite AC 2007- Evaluation report and presentations now online
Ecsite Directors’ Forum 2007 reminder
Institute of Physics' Public Engagement Grant Scheme 2008
Q&A session with Sir David King, Chief Scientific Adviser to HM Government
Which is Britain’s most family friendly museum?
'Visualise' science show shortlisted for theatre award at Edinburgh Fringe Festival
NEWS FROM ECSITE-UK 1
Ecsite-uk AGM reminder
The Ecsite-uk Annual General Meeting (AGM) takes place on Thursday 13 September at the University of York campus, during the BA Festival of Science.
The AGM is open to all members of Ecsite-uk.
More details can be found on the AGM page.
Event supported by Prodir Ltd.
NEWS FROM ECSITE-UK 2
Inside DNA: A Genomic Revolution
Inside DNA: A Genomic Revolution is an exciting new exhibition that helps make the invisible visible, allowing visitors to explore the fascinating field of human genetics and its impact on our lives - including our evolution, our health and our identity. The exhibition is designed to provoke questions and stimulate debate, delving into profound ethical questions such as whether genetic testing might lead to potential discrimination, who will benefit most from genetic medicines and the role of national DNA databases.
Inside DNA opens on 29 November 2007 in Explore-At-Bristol and runs until August 2008 before moving on to other science centres as part of a 5-year tour. Inside DNA was created and designed by At-Bristol with and on behalf of Ecsite-uk, who were funded by the Wellcome Trust to produce and tour the exhibition.
Further updates about this exhibition will follow shortly on the Ecsite-uk website:
NEWS FROM ECSITE EUROPE 1
Ecsite AC 2007- Evaluation report and presentations now online
The Ecsite Annual Conference 2007 took place from the 31 May - 2 June 2007 and was hosted by the Pavilion of Knowledge-Ciencia Viva in Lisbon, Portugal, with 886 delegates attending from a total of 55 countries across Europe and worldwide.
A detailed programme of the conference, with many available presentations, a photo archive from the 5 days and an evaluation report (with the views of many of the ecsite delegates that gave us their valuable feedback) is now available online at:
NEWS FROM ECSITE EUROPE 2
Ecsite Directors’ Forum 2007 reminder
The Ecsite Directors’ Forum, an annual meeting for directors of Ecsite’s full members, will take place in Dresden from 15-16 November and be hosted by the Stiftung Deutsches-Hygiene museum. The theme of this year’s forum is ‘partnerships with private companies and foundations’.
The Forum is open only to Ecsite full members.
Please contact Aliki Giannakopoulou, Ecsite Conference and Communications Coordinator at: agiannakopoulou@ecsite.net if you are interested in registering for this event.
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR 1
Institute of Physics' Public Engagement Grant Scheme 2008
Are you a great communicator? Do you have a fantastic idea for making physics accessible? Can you inspire other people with your enthusiasm? Do you need some support to make your outreach activity happen?
If you answered yes to all these questions, then why not apply for a Public Engagement Grant from the Institute of Physics? The grants are worth up to £1000 and aim to support physics-based outreach activities throughout 2008.
Closing date: 2 November 2007.
Application forms and guidelines for the grant scheme are available online at www.iop.org/activity/outreach or email physics.society@iop.org.
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR 2
Q&A session with Sir David King, Chief Scientific Adviser to HM Government
Sir David King will be hosting a breakfast presentation and panel discussion focusing on the ‘Universal Ethical Code for Scientists’ as part of the BA Festival of Science 2007. This event will take place on Wednesday 12 September between 8.00 - 10.00 am at the University of York.
The main focus of the session will be to learn more about the Code, and how organisations such as the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Food Standards Agency, the Environment Agency and AstraZeneca are incorporating its principles into everyday practice. It is also a great opportunity for scientists and the public to meet and talk to Sir David King.
This is an event that should be relevant for all those interested in understanding the ethical frameworks within which scientists operate, and for those involved in promoting the ethical practice of science, whether that be social science, natural sciences or engineering and technology.
Although a free event, pre-registration is essential as places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
Please call the BA booking line on 020 7019 4963
or book online via the BA's website at www.the-ba.net/festivalofscience/
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR 3
Darwin200
Darwin200 plans to celebrate the life and legacy of one of the greatest ever scientists, Charles Darwin.
Darwin200 is a collaboration of organisations across the UK who are celebrating Darwin’s 200th birthday in February 2009 with an exciting programme of activities. Although the bicentenary is nearly two years away, many plans for the celebrations are already underway, with Darwin200 events beginning in July 2008, commemorating 150 years since Darwin first presented his innovative ideas to fellow scientists. The celebrations will then continue to build up to Darwin’s 200th birthday in February 2009 and culminate in November 2009, which is the 150th anniversary of the publication of On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.
For news about Darwin200, details about events, project partners, and how you can get involved in the celebrations please visit: www.darwin200.org
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR 4
Which is Britain’s most family friendly museum?
The launch of the 2007 Guardian Family Friendly Museum Award was made in the Guardian Arts pages on Monday 3 September.
Visitors and volunteers –anyone of any age – can make a nomination. Museums and galleries are also welcome to nominate themselves.
Full details can be found at the Kids in Museums website: www.kidsinmuseums.org.uk
NEWS FROM THE REGIONS
'Visualise' science show shortlisted for theatre award at Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Ecsite-uk associate member; ‘science made simple’ has been shortlisted for a Total Theatre award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The innovative show (called 'visualise') uses live science experiments, physical theatre, music and film to illustrate – without words - the beautiful and curious world of science. The show was shortlisted from over 400 that were nominated for the 'experimentation' category.
The aim of visualise is to reach new audiences with science - those who perhaps wouldn't normally attend a science festival. The lack of language makes it appealing to those who prefer to learn in a visual way, and it encourages audiences to ask questions rather than expect answers. This also builds on a pilot project in 2005 (funded by NESTA and the IOP), thanks to further support from the British Council, and sponsorship from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) who were keen to support the presence of science at one of the World’s biggest arts events.
Further information can be found at www.sciencemadesimple.co.uk/visualise or visit www.sciencemadesimple.co.uk/page123g.html for a full press release.
RESOURCE
New networking site from Nature
With the rise of social networking sites, such as MySpace and FaceBook, people are embracing online technologies to make new contacts and share information. Nature Network (from the publishers of Nature) is a powerful new web site that brings these tools to scientists and those who work in allied fields.
Users can set up personal profiles, join in discussions in the forums and create groups of like-minded individuals. For example, you might choose to create a group for science centre or museums, which could be used for discussing common issues with other science centres and museums worldwide.
Nature Network also includes a growing number of blogs, written by practicing scientists around the globe.
Those working in London or Boston get additional features, such as local science news, jobs and a comprehensive events calendar (all of which include material on science centres and museums). More local 'hubs' will follow shortly.
It's all free to use, so sign up today: network.nature.com
Guardian article about Nature Network:
education.guardian.co.uk/egweekly/story/0,,2116570,00.html
DIARY DATES
GEM Conference 2007 – Every Audience Matters
4-7 September 2007, Leicester
As government and funding priorities shift to fulfil expanding learning and social agendas, are heritage organisations being realistic in trying to be "all things to all people?" This Group for Education in Museums (GEM) Conference - Every Audience Matters provides an active and in-depth exploration of how these growing demands might be met.
www.gem.org.uk/cpd/conf/conference.html
BA Festival of Science
10-14 September 2007, University of York
The BA Festival of Science returns to the site of its first annual meeting. The first meeting took place in York in 1831.
This year, the Festival has over 400 events planned, covering topics from rocket science to roller coasters.
www.the-ba.net/festivalofscience
Origin and differentiation of the Earth: past to present
13 & 14 September 2007, The Royal Society, London
This discussion meeting will bring together scientists from all disciplines in order to reconcile views on the internal structure and early chemical evolution of the Earth and the relationship with the formation of the moon.
Organised by Professor Andrew Jephcoat and Professor Alexander Halliday FRS.
The meeting is free to attend but pre-registration is essential.
Engaging Black and Minority Ethnic adult learners in museum and gallery education
20 September 2007, Merseyside Maritime Museum
Part of the national commemoration of the abolition of the slave trade, this conference focuses ion including non-traditional learning in education programmes delivered from museums, libraries and archives.
A complementing theme explores black history and how this can be used to encourage non-traditional learners to participate in, for example, museum education programmes.
The conference is a partnership event between NIACE and National Museums Liverpool. www.niace.org.uk/Conferences/whats-on-offer.htm
3rd Education/Programme Managers Meeting
26 & 27 September 2007, National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff
The 3rd Ecsite-uk Education/Programme Managers meeting will take place during the last week of September. The event, like previous years, is designed to run over two days.
Past meetings have taken place at the World Museum (part of the National Museums Liverpool) and the Glasgow Science Centre, and provided managers involved in learning programmes with an opportunity to network and discuss common issues.
Any Ecsite-uk members interested in registering for this event should contact Dr Louise Webb at: seminars@ecsite-uk.net
Conversation on Climate Action
4 October, 2007
As an active participant in IGLO, International Action on Global Warming, Ecsite is encouraging members to get involved in the next major IGLO event, the National Conversation on Climate Action.
Participation in the conversation is simple yet effective - the minimum requirement is to organise a game of the special Global Warming edition of the DECIDE debate game and upload the results to a website where they can be compared with those of other communities.
For more information about Conversation on Climate Action please go to: www.astc.org/iglo or www.playdecide.org for details about on how to play DECIDE.
For the draft version of the Global Warming edition of DECIDE, please visit:
[archived - link removed]
TextWorkshop training day
10 October, 2007, Weston Park Museum, Sheffield
Join writer Dea Birkett and museum professional Rebecca Mileham for a TextWorkshop training course that will challenge and inspire you - as well as your audiences. Practical and interactive, the full-day programme covers top tips that can quickly make your text more accessible, appealing and effective at getting your message across.
For further details of TextWorkshop, please go to www.textworkshop.co.uk or email contact@textworkshop.co.uk
Science Education in School workshop
11-14 October 2007, Bucharest
An international workshop aimed at: researchers in the field of science education, managers and personnel of the institutions directly or indirectly involved in science education (universities, research institutes, science museums, theoretical, technical and vocational schools, education policy makers, non-governmental organisations and local authorities).
2007 ASTC Annual Conference
Lights, Camera, Action: From Vision to Reality
13-16 October 2007, California Science Center, Los Angeles
At the 2007 Association of Science – Technology Centres (ASTC) Annual Conference, ASTC members will explore the diverse issues involved in turning their museum's innovative visions into successful reality. Explore how we might realise our creative dreams, from articulating goals and securing resources to ensuring that the final story reflects your mission, your brand, and your core values.
For further details of the conference programme visit: www.astc.org/conference
Communicate 2007- Going Mainstream
18-19 October 2007, Bristol
Now in its fourth successful year, this is the UK’s only conference for professional communicators of environmental and conservation issues. Registrations are now open for Communicate 2007.
Early bird registration fees are available until 21 September.
For a registration form and the latest version of the conference programme go to: www.communicatenow.org
Museums Association Conference and Exhibition
22-24 October 2007, Glasgow
Glasgow is the host for this year’s Museums Association conference.
Keynote speakers include John Falk and Lynn Dierking, Will Hutton and Muriel Gray.
www.museumsassociation.org/conference
JIVE Conference
30 October 2007, National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham
This year’s conference is a free event that aims to showcase the work of the JIVE Project, supporting positive change for women and girls in Science Engineering, Technology and the Built Environment.
For further information e-mail: setwomenresource@bilk.ac.uk
Hands On & Brains On Conference
15-16 November 2007, NEMO Science Centre in Amsterdam
Hands-On & Brains-On is an international conference about Primary Education and the closing conference for this EU-project.
The recent Rocard Report "A renewed pedagogy for the future of Europe" will be discussed by representatives of the EU, science centres, headmasters, teachers, educational administrations and decision makers, researchers, journalists and other experts in science learning and communication. There will also be an opportunity to take part in hands-on activities created by eight science centres. Use it or lose it - that's the motto of the latest brain research - and also this conference!
For more information visit: www.e-nemo.nl/Handson-Brainson-conference2007
Ecsite-uk
Dr Louise Webb
Ecsite-uk: the Network of Science Centres and Museums
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