Exhibitions Examined: the value and challenges of visitor research in science museums (English)

With Dr. Anne Land-Zandstra (Leiden University), Prof. Dr. Stephan Schwan (Leibniz-Institut für Wissensmedien), Dr. Inga Specht (Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change/Museum Koenig Bonn), Lizzy Bakker (NEMO), Rooske Franse (NEMO) and Maartje Raijmakers (NEMO)

Science museums and science centers are constantly redefining their role in society. Especially in this time of major social challenges, such as climate change and loss of biodiversity, we are looking for effective ways to develop exhibitions and activities that move and activate visitors. But how do we do that and what do we know about the impact of a visit to our institutions? What works?

In what ways can our exhibitions and activities change the knowledge, attitude and behavior of visitors? How can we best use our collections, educators and programs for the purpose we have in mind? Visitor research in museums all over the world provides valuable information. What studies are already being done? How can we find this knowledge even better and apply it effectively? And in which areas is it important to acquire even more knowledge?

VSC, the Science Communication & Society research group of Leiden University, SciCom NL and Naturalis Biodiversity Center are jointly organizing this symposium to discuss these questions.

More information and registration via Leiden University