10 November, 2016: International Science Center and Science Museum day, ICOM, October 2016
The ISCSMD is a collaborative effort between the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the International Council of Museums (ICOM), the Association of Science and Technology Museums (ASTC) and five main science centers and science museum networks worldwide.
Building upon UNESCO’s theme of “Science for Peace and Development”, the objective of the International Science Center and Science Museum Day (ISCSMD) is to demonstrate the engagement and impact of the science center and science museum field, which proactively addresses global sustainability while reaching increasingly diverse audiences. Outcomes from the day’s events and discussions will be presented at the Science Centre World Summit 2017 in Tokyo, Japan.
ICOM is a natural partner for this initiative, which focuses on the social role of museums. As stated in the ICOM Strategic Plan for 2016-2022, “Museums are places of discussion and debate on pressing challenges of identity and democracy and are leading institutions of civil society and of active citizenship. They have important educational effects and a vital role to play in breaking down social divisions. They are major contributors to local and national economies and to communal well-being.” Science centers and science museums around the world participate in ISCSMD through events or programmes that support the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) declared by the United Nations.
On 10 November in Paris, a conference organised with UNESCO will explore best practices in public engagement in sustainability science in a series of thought-provoking sessions. In addition, a worldwide citizen science experiment organised in partnership with the Globe Observer will involve thousands of people.
How to join:
- Get on the map! http://www.iscsmd.org/map/
Most science centers and science museums address one or more of the UN SDGs through exhibitions and programmes (see the interactive map). - identify one or two examples that you would like to label as an ISCSMD activity: go to the online form at http://www.iscsmd.org/map/form/ and complete it including a short description (max 650 characters) of what you plan to do, then submit. Staff will review and post it ASAP.
- Simply download all communication tools that have been prepared (tool kit) so that you can communicate within your museum, to the press and other stakeholders. http://www.iscsmd.org/sdgs-in-science-centers/
