Recent actions by the National Science Foundation (NSF) have led to terminations of many grants that supported STEM education initiatives, including at ASTC member organizations. Now, a group of private foundations has stepped up to offer a rapid response bridge funding opportunity that is designed to mitigate some of the immediate impacts on scholars, projects, […]
New data from the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) reveal that while adults in the United States value science in their daily lives, it is unclear the extent to which they associate federal investment and scientific infrastructure with the information they depend on for making crucial decisions. The findings highlight an urgent need
Employees from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) have been placed on administrative leave, effective today. Staff access to IMLS systems and offices, including email, has also been suspended. For almost 40 years, IMLS has been an essential independent agency that is often the only federal source of support for work core to
IMLS staff put on administrative leave Read More »
The Bell Museum at the University of Minnesota, which serves as the state’s official natural history museum, has been honored with the Impact Goals Award from the Center for Advancing Research Impact in Society (ARIS). The museum was recognized for Solution Studio, a recurring makerspace that showcases current science from the University of Minnesota and
Bell Museum honored with ARIS Impact Goals Award Read More »
The publisher of Nature magazine—in collaboration with Sense About Science—is seeking nominations for The John Maddox Prize, which honors researchers who stand up and speak out for science and evidence-based policy, advancing public discussion around difficult topics, despite challenges or hostility, and successfully making a change in public discourse or policy. Winners will be selected
Nature seeking nominations for individuals who stand up for science Read More »
The President issued an Executive Order (EO) on Friday, March 14 requiring several agencies, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), to eliminate all “non-statutory components and functions” and to reduce personnel “to the minimum presence and function required by law.” It is clear that this EO directs dramatic cuts to be made
Speak up for museums and science centers Read More »
About 50 representatives of ASTC-member organizations were among the more than 350 people who descended on Washington, D.C., for Museums Advocacy Day 2025. This annual event organized by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) is our community’s opportunity to speak with one voice about the essential value of museums when we meet with Members of
Advocates make the case during Museums Advocacy Day Read More »
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Gulf Research Program is partnering with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s Environmental Literacy Program on a funding program to use place-based education to enhance community resilience and increase environmental literacy among residents of the U.S. Gulf States. The Environmental Literacy for Community Resilience program will
Funding Opportunity: Environmental Literacy for Community Resilience Read More »
Once again, ASTC members were well-represented in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice awards in several museum categories (see bold, below), including another clean sweep in the Best Science Museum category. Twenty nominees in each category were chosen by a panel of experts, including a combination of editors from USA TODAY, editors from 10Best.com, and other
The Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Family Foundation and the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education are seeking nominations for the Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education. This award recognizes outstanding individuals who have dedicated themselves to improving education and whose accomplishments are making a difference. Honorees should exemplify transformational leadership in their organization
Nominations open for McGraw Prize in Education Read More »
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has announced nearly $36.8 million in funding to almost 1,500 projects in all 50 states. Included in that list are seven ASTC member institutions. These NEA awards come through several competitive funding programs including Grants in the Arts, Challenge America, Research Grants in the Arts, and Research Labs.
National Endowment for the Arts supports projects at ASTC members Read More »
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) have released several reports in recent weeks that are relevant to the work of science centers and museums—and others committed to engaging the public with science and technology. NASEM are private, nonprofit institutions that provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation to solve complex
Recent NASEM reports relevant to science engagement Read More »
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has issued a solicitation (NSF 25-511) for the Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies (ExLENT) program, which supports hands-on learning opportunities for learners from nontraditional backgrounds, equipping them with skills for emerging technology fields and fostering workforce development through cross-sector partnerships. ExLENT seeks to support experiential learning opportunities
Funding opportunity: Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies (ExLENT) Read More »
Lilly Endowment Inc. has awarded 15 children’s museums—most of which are ASTC members—with a total of $38.5 million in grants to support efforts to nurture character through exhibitions, public programs, and community collaborations. This new funding is part of the Fostering Character Through Children’s Museums initiative, which is helping children’s museums develop new or expand
Lilly Endowment supports children’s museums to foster character development Read More »
Updated on November 7, 2024, to include the Blooloop 50 Immersive Influencer List 2024. Blooloop has announced the recipients of its 2024 Blooloop 50 Influencer Lists for Museums, Immersive, and Zoos & Aquariums, and many members of the ASTC community have been recognized yet again. These annual lists highlight 50 key individuals in each field
Blooloop honors many Influencers from ASTC community Read More »
President Joe Biden has announced his intent to appoint several individuals with an ASTC connection to the National Science Board (NSB), which has the dual mission of setting the policies of the National Science Foundation (NSF) and serving as an independent advisory body to the President and Congress on policy matters related to science, engineering,
ASTC connections to be appointed to the National Science Board Read More »
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has issued a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) inviting supplemental funding requests to engage the public in STEM programming and activities that showcase existing NSF-funded exhibits, films, maker experiences, and other public science communication efforts. This opportunity is limited to current awardees of Advancing Informal STEM Learning (AISL) and Innovative
NSF supplemental funding requests for AISL and ITEST awardees Read More »
The U.S. National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has announced $37.5 million in funding for 240 projects across the country—including two at ASTC-member organizations. Overall, NEH made awards in several areas including digital humanities, research centers on artificial intelligence, institutes for higher education faculty and K-12 educators, preservation assistance, sustaining cultural heritage collections, and more.
NEH supports projects at two ASTC members Read More »
The U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has announced the recipients of its Museums for America program for fiscal year 2024. Twenty-seven ASTC members are among 115 museums who will share $23.3 million in funding. Museums for America is IMLS’ largest grant funding opportunity for museums and supports a wide range of projects,
IMLS awards Museums for America grants to 27 ASTC members Read More »
The U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has announced the recipients of its Museums Empowered program for fiscal year 2024. Six ASTC members are among 18 museums who will share $3.3 million in funding. Museums Empowered: Professional Development Opportunities for Museum Staff helps support institutions in engaging staff, leadership, and volunteers in training
IMLS Museums Empowered supports six ASTC members Read More »