This is an extended discussion of the question that appeared in the Viewpoints department of the November/December 2011 issue of Dimensions magazine.

Yes, we should. Science and technology raise controversial topics, and as institutions that promote civil engagement, we should present these topics as part of our responsibility to society. (Pictured: Bloomfield’s Peace Labyrinth exhibition.)

Maya Halevy, director
Bloomfield Science Museum Jerusalem, Israel

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IN THIS ISSUE
September/October 2011

How can science centers and museums become valued by their local leaders and citizens as essential elements of vibrant, livable, growth-oriented communities? Science centers are taking a central role in helping their local communities address key challenges and priorities—from environmental sustainability and support for underserved populations to economic development and quality of life. Through partnerships with local governments, community organizations, and businesses, science centers are demonstrating that they are not just “nice to have,” but necessary players in helping communities achieve their goals.

Contents:
• PLACES: Helping Science, Politics, and Communities Interact, by Emma Wadland
• Supporting Science and Culture One Penny at a Time, by Peg Long
• A Productive Partnership with Local Government, by Joanna Haas
• Making a Science Center Relevant to its Local Community and Businesses, by Victoria Scalise
• Why Do Local Government Officials Value Their Communities’ Science Centers and Museums?
• The Regeneration of a City, by Linda Conlon
• Helping Youth Transition to the Future, by Debra Moroff and Charlotte Zolotor
• An Asset to the Community, by Phelan R. Fretz

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By Emma Wadland
From Dimensions
September/October 2011

“PLACES is ensuring that science centers and museums are quickly becoming the ideal forums for politicians to easily access reliable scientific information and for citizens to engage in two-way dialogue about science. This will allow people to exercise full citizenship in science and technology issues.”
—Antonio Gomes da Costa, coordinator of the PLACES project

Launched in June 2010, the four-year Platform of Local Authorities and Communicators Engaged in Science (PLACES) project is guiding science centers and museums to play the role of facilitator in providing information and helping local leaders and communities address local challenges. These challenges may include environmental sustainability, health care, transportation, education, or any number of other areas where science and society are inextricably linked.
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I recently “googled” the words “mayor,” “commission,” “task force,” and “science” and was astounded at the extensive number of socially relevant topics that are being considered by local decision makers in every corner of the globe. In nearly every instance, a body of scientific experts conveys wise counsel to policy planners. Occasionally, such initiatives include “public forums,” often composed of representatives of various special interests.

More than ever, though, our local leaders are recognizing that lasting and positive policies require not only scientific rigor and integrity, but also transparency and determined efforts to build and retain public trust—which begins with a fundamental public grasp of the science in the policies.
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Interviewed by Joelle Seligson

This interview appeared in the September/October 2011 issue of Dimensions magazine.

The deputy director of the Library of Alexandria’s Planetarium Science Center on global partners, local heroes, and surviving a revolution

Egypt’s cultural and educational institutions were not spared the chaos in the country early this year. Looters broke into Cairo’s Egyptian Museum and other sites during the revolution, stealing and smashing ancient treasures. Yet, thanks to an inspiring demonstration, the Planetarium Science Center (PSC) at the Library of Alexandria came out unharmed.

Ayman Elsayed, deputy director of the center and ASTC’s 2010 Lee Kimche McGrath Worldwide Fellow, will attend the 2011 ASTC Annual Conference in Baltimore, October 15–18. He tells his institution’s story, and discusses how working together benefits science centers worldwide.

Read the full transcript, or listen to the podcast.