Luigi Amodio

1
Science in Society Programmeswhat is their
impact in citizens engagement with science?

• Luigi Amodio
• Fondazione IDIS-Città della Scienza
• ECSITE Annual Conferenze 2008
• Budapest

2
A changing role

• Science centres and, more in general, museums,
  cultural centres, etc. plays more and more a
  significant social role as accelerators of
  governance processes and awareness about ST in
  society

3
Harmonizing scientific research with societys
expectations

• Introducing new research in society requires a
  big effort in communication
• Stimulating public debate and social involvement
  evokes different groups questions and
  expectations
• A democratic decision process must take these
  needs and expectations into due consideration

4
The Collingridge dilemma
5
The role of SC and Museums

• Science Centres and Museums, NGOs and research
  organisations (with no previous track record of
  technology assessment and/or public involvement)
  have begun to experiment with different
  participatory methods
• This methods are particularly well suited for the
  pursuit of science centres mission of raising
  awareness and stimulating debate
• ECSITE includes institutions with strong
  competences in this field

6
The speakers

• Roland Schaer, Director Science and Society, Cité
  des Sciences et de lIndustrie, Paris
• 3 pragmatic propositions to better manage science
  and society

7
The speakers

• Kat Nilsson, Event Programmes Manager Science
  Museums Dana Centre, London
• 5 Senses, supported by the Royal Academy of
  Engineering, on the impact of engineering on
  society through audience dialogue with engineers

8
The speakers

• Maria Xanthoudaki, Head of Education and
  International Relationships, Museo Nazionale
  della Scienza e della Tecnologia L. da Vinci,
  Milan
• Make up your mind, a programme focused on adult
  visitors engagement in cutting-edge science and
  technology

9
The session

• 15 minutes
• 1 short question after each presentation
• QA after the three presentations