Ecsite, the European network of science centres and museums, has shared details of the inaugural International Directors Forum on science engagement, which it is leading from 14 to 17 November in partnership with host institution Heureka, Finland.
The event was developed in collaboration with Ecsite’s sister science engagement networks, Asia Pacific Network of Science and Technology Centres (ASPAC), Association of Science-Technology Centres (ASTC), North Africa and Middle East science centres (NAMES), Network for the Popularization of Science and Technology in Latin America and the Caribbean (RedPOP), and Southern African Association of Science and Technology Centres (SAASTEC), whose members will also be present.
The International Directors Forum will gather worldwide leaders in science engagement together with CEOs and managing directors of science museums and institutions, to stimulate collaboration and the exchange of ideas.
The event will welcome 99 organisations from 40 countries, with a combined reach of 300 million, and so offers an opportunity to amplify the impact of its attendees’ combined efforts in combating the planetary crisis and misinformation.
“Science engagement and democracy is crucial for informed decision-making, fostering public trust, and advancing societal progress in an increasingly complex world,” says Ecsite. “Involving citizens in these major challenges is essential.”
Inspiring event programme
The event agenda includes presentations and workshops which seek to bring diverse perspectives to the key forum themes of the planetary emergency and misinformation, to promote thought and spark creativity.
Contributors will include:
- Dr Brigitte Baptiste. Biologist and ecologist who specialises in biodiversity and environmental issues in Colombia.
- Siim Kumpas. Policy officer focusing on increasing awareness of foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) in Europe.
- Dr Paula Kahumbu. Wildlife conservationist and CEO of WildLifeDirect, the biggest not-for-profit wildlife blogging website in Africa.
- Márton Gergely. Editor-in-chief at the highest-circulation weekly newspaper in Hungary, one of the last remaining independent editorial offices in the country.
- Markku Wilenius. Professor of future studies, Turku University, Finland.
- Dr Maria Mäkelä. Professor of literature, Tampere University, specialising in storytelling and narrative.
- Risto Isomäki. Activist and author of 44 books, extending from science fiction to non-fiction.
- Orna Ben Lulu. Founder and editor-in-chief of RARE Media, which provides diverse and inclusive journalism for young people.
- Enni Similä (Uhca-Paadar Risten Jarkko Enni). A young Sámi activist working in the Saami Council.
- Viktor Jaakkola. A climate activist with Operaatio Arctic. Jaakkola works to inspire others that Climate Repair techniques to stabilise the climate system are achievable.
- Tellervo Kalleinen and Oliver Kochta-Kalleinen. Interdisciplinary artists combining film, performance, game design, experimental education, facilitation, social architecture and alternative economies to create imagined solutions for a better world using the medium of art.
- Tomi Pulkkinen. A songwriter, singer, performing artist and writer – famed as the first library troubadour in Finland.
Ecsite recently closed its calls for hosts of the 2024 Ecsite Directors Forum, and the Ecsite Annual Conferences in 2025 and 2026.
