The A. M. Qattan Foundation (AMQF) participated in the European Network of Science Centres and Museums (Ecsite) Annual Conference 2018. Held under the theme “Creative collisions”, Ecsite Annual Conference 2018 was organised in Geneva, Switzerland, from 7 to 9 June 2018.
As part of the AMQF participation, researchers of the AMQF Science Studio / Educational Research and Development Programme (ERDP) presented papers on the Science Studio’s engagement with public audiences in science festivals, tinkering events, and development of science exhibits.
In a session titled “Partnering with universities”, Science Studio Manager Nader Wahbeh addressed the importance of engagement between science centres and Palestinian universities in the public engagement of science. Wahbeh also reviewed challenges which universities face in the public engagement of the latest scientific research and knowledge.
Wahbeh highlighted the role the Science Studio played in promoting public engagement of science. The Science Studio engages scientists and researchers in developing science exhibits. They support the Science Studio with scientific insights, contributing to public engagement in science communication.
In a session on “Art as agent of change for our institutions”, Samar Kirresh, Senior Researcher at the Science Studio, presented on the role of arts as a driver to change the vision and goals of science centres and museums. Kirresh jointly presented with researchers from the United States, Singapore, and several European countries. Researchers talked about the potential linkages between arts in science, the role of art and science in creating interaction between science centres and enhancing audience interests. Presentations will be published in a book with contributions by all participating researchers in the near future.
In partnership with colleagues from science centres in different countries and with local partners in Switzerland, Kirresh also participated in designing the programme of events of the Tinkering Room workshop at the Ecsite Conference 2018.
Additionally, Kirresh moderated two workshops, including one on tinkering between education and learning, and another on interaction and learning on the ball wall. In the Grand Bazaar, Kirresh also participated in an event, which focused on recycling in the design of a small exhibit for play and experimentation.
Asma Mozayen, Assistant Researcher at the Science Studio, presented on the forms of creative engagement with the audience inside and outside the Science Studio. Mozayen highlighted research methodologies that would help children learn from science exhibits as well as events that reach out to children across Palestine. The presentation was made in a session that involved the Children’s Museum, Jordan, and Sonbola Group for Education & Development NGO (Sonbola), Lebanon. Titled “Outreach in the MENA region: challenges and opportunities”, the session focused on the impact of the political situation on education, challenges faced by outreach programmes in working with children in difficult circumstances, and success stories that emanated from such interaction.