Science festivals: do they succeed in reaching beyond the ‘already engaged’?
The cultural phenomenon of ‘science festivals’ is ever expanding throughout the world, as universities, city and regional governments, and science engagement professionals alike embrace the concept of a focused ‘celebration’ of science. In the past however science festivals have been criticized for neglecting underrepresented audiences. This special issue explores the extent to which current science festivals have managed to engage with diverse publics, and identifies the key challenges facing the future of science festivals, most notably the need for deeper research into the impacts of science festivals.
Science festivals (or just “festivals”) are currently ascendant in the United States with more than 40 new initiatives emerging in just the past …
From liquid nitrogen to public engagement and city planning: the changing role of science events
Public understanding of science has been replaced by engagement and participation, and science events, like festivals and science days, have become significant actors …
Thailand’s National Science Fair is an annual two-week event held to promote science, encourage learning and prove that science is for everyone. Derived …
For the past thirty years, The National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST), Trinidad and Tobago, has been a pioneering …
Creating science content for cultural contexts in which the audience are not primarily motivated by an interest in science, can provide exciting opportunities …