The ASTC office in Washington, D.C., is only a few Metro stops away from the National Library of Congress, which houses among its treasures a compilation of oral and written testimonials from those who have witnessed history. Testimonials personalize events; they bind the presenters and listeners through common thoughts and feelings. Stories are much richer through first-hand telling.

In thinking about these historical testimonials, it occurs to me that so many fascinating individuals have passed through the doors of our science centers and museums and experienced so much. If we are judged by the company we keep, then we are no doubt judged favorably for the company of so many curious and inspired folks who have chosen to spend their precious time with us.
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Interviewed by Joelle Seligson

This interview appeared in the March/April 2013 issue of Dimensions magazine.

Whether it’s the world’s biggest wardrobe malfunction or MacGyver meets Survivor, Ainissa Ramirez knows that generating interest in science requires a hook. A professor at Yale University, Ramirez prefers the title “science evangelist”—in her words, a person who “takes the call” to ignite curiosity in kids of all ages. She spoke with Dimensions about the importance of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education—the topic of her TED Talk last year—and how to put science in unexpected places.

Read the full transcript, or listen to the podcast.

IN THIS ISSUE
January/February 2013

Recognizing the need for greater awareness of water-related issues, the UN declared 2013 the International Year of Water Cooperation (IYWC). In this issue of Dimensions, we discuss how science centers can support the goals of the IYWC and efforts to provide water, sanitation, and hygiene to people worldwide. We also take a look at plans in several countries to establish water-themed museums; projects to engage youth in water issues and solutions; and ways to create water exhibits that encourage visitors to think, play, and explore.

Features
• Building Peace and Sustainable Development Through Water Cooperation, by Lucilla Minelli
• Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene: A Global Crisis with Real Solutions, by Elynn Walter
• A Science Center that Floods, by Ed Grusheski
• Build a Water Exhibit and They Will Come, by Stephen Pizzey
• Making Connections Through an Asia Pacific Water Museum, by Ganigar Chen and Alexander Otte
• Bringing Youth’s Ideas About Water to Rio+20, by Ling Ling Chew
• Exploring Water’s Path on Reunion Island, by Marine Soichot

Online Departments
• From the CEO
• Viewpoints
• Q&A with Denise Amyot

Subscribe/order back issues

By Lucilla Minelli
From Dimensions
January/February 2013

Water is critical for sustainable development and indispensable for human health and well-being. With this in mind, and to accelerate the implementation of internationally agreed goals relating to water, the UN General Assembly declared 2013 the International Year of Water Cooperation (IYWC). The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was appointed by UN-Water to lead preparations for the IYWC, as well as for World Water Day on March 22, 2013, also dedicated to water cooperation. (UN-Water is the UN’s interagency coordination mechanism for all issues related to fresh water. Currently, it has representatives from 30 UN member states.)                                             

“Water cooperation” refers to the peaceful management and mutually beneficial use of water resources among various players (e.g., governments, international organizations, academic institutions, businesses, and the public) and sectors (e.g., agriculture and industry) at local, national, regional, and international levels. Water cooperation encapsulates cultural, educational, and scientific elements, as well as religious, ethical, social, political, legal, institutional, and economic dimensions. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach is essential in order to grasp an understanding of the many facets implied by the concept and blend them into one holistic vision.

In this article, I present the objectives for the IYWC, the messages we aim to publicize throughout the year, and some ideas for science centers and museums that are interested in being involved.
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It has been a few years since ASTC’s award-winning magazine, Dimensions, last devoted an issue to a single science-based theme, like water. But, we were drawn to this topic for our January/February 2013 issue as we learned more about the 2013 International Year of Water Cooperation, and the UN’s decision to call upon its scientific and educational arm, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), to lead the effort “because of the organization’s unique multidisciplinary approach which blends the natural and social sciences, education, culture, and communications.”

This blend that defines UNESCO is mirrored in the work of science centers and museums all around the world. Recognizing this, ASTC has formed a strong partnership with UNESCO during the past two years that has, in turn, given greater visibility to a wealth of activities within our field to help raise local awareness about sustainable development, youth empowerment, greater access for women to careers in science, and many more topics that are precisely the issues defined as UN global priorities.

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