In this 45-minute informational webinar, you will hear from ASTC staff about Sanofi Youth STEM Challenge: The Air We Share. We will discuss the goals and structure of the program and application process, followed by ample time for audience Q&A.
Introducing the Sanofi Youth STEM Challenge Read More »
Join us for a collaborative and idea-driven webinar focused on advancing enrichment practices for reptiles and amphibians across zoological and museum collections. This session brings together experienced professionals from diverse institutions to share practical strategies, innovative approaches, and lessons learned in creating engaging, welfare-focused environments for herps. Speakers include Leslie Gordon (Natural History Museum of
Reptile & Amphibian Enrichment Exchange: Sharing Ideas Across Collections Read More »
Join ASTC on August 12 for a re-run of Science Centers and Museums 101, a fun and fast-paced overview of the people, organizations, and ideas that shape the global science museum community. Whether you’re new to museum work or a seasoned pro, this session will help you understand your organization (and your own role) in the context of our field’s shared history, current practices, and collective vision for the future of science
Science Centers & Museums 101: Foundations of the Field Read More »
Join colleagues from across the ASTC Natural History Network, where we will preview natural history-related sessions happening at the ASTC 2026 Annual Conference and hear from special guests about current projects.
August Natural History Network Meet-up Read More »
Join your colleagues as ASTC Chair Erin Graham and ASTC President and CEO Christofer Nelson share updates from 2026. At the business meeting, Christofer, Erin, and other members of the ASTC Board of Directors will also share an overview of ASTC’s activities over the past year and unveil ASTC’s new Strategic Framework through 2030.
Annual Business Meeting for ASTC Members Read More »
Funders are increasingly expecting AI to be incorporated into grant proposals, either as the focus or as a supporting tool. How do you navigate this? Join us on August 12 for a conversation about grants and AI strategy. We’ll discuss strong approaches and risks for incorporating AI, share what’s out there in terms of AI-related
Navigating Grants and AI: Peer Strategy Session Read More »
Want to build champions for your museum? This session will help you develop effective strategies to engage elected officials, work with district offices, and secure meaningful site visits from federal representatives during the August recess. You’ll also hear a successful case study of statewide advocacy from the children’s museum community. Walk away with clear, practical
Advocacy Webinar: Fostering Children’s Museum Champions at Every Level of Government Read More »
Join us for our next Natural History Network Meet-up! Whether you work in research, collections, exhibits, education, public programs, or any other area of natural history, we welcome you to connect with colleagues across the natural history museum field.
May Natural History Network Meet-up Read More »
ASTC member organizations need AI professional learning – but what does that actually look like? Different teams need different things, and one-size-fits-all training won’t work. AI professional learning can mean: Technical skills (using AI tools) Critical literacy (understanding capabilities and risks) Pedagogical approaches (teaching with and about AI) Strategic thinking (when and whether to use
AI Professional Learning: What Do Your Teams Actually Need? Read More »
Network with other professionals in the field, share and find resources directly applicable to your collection, and get the support you need! Join our monthly open discussions and bring your ideas to the table. We look forward to meeting you!
August 2026 Live Collections CoP Open Discussion Read More »
Network with other professionals in the field, share and find resources directly applicable to your collection, and get the support you need! Join our monthly open discussions and bring your ideas to the table. We look forward to meeting you!
July 2026 Live Collections CoP Open Discussion Read More »
Network with other professionals in the field, share and find resources directly applicable to your collection, and get the support you need! Join our monthly open discussions and bring your ideas to the table. We look forward to meeting you!
June 2026 Live Collections CoP Open Discussion Read More »
Network with other professionals in the field, share and find resources directly applicable to your collection, and get the support you need. Join our monthly open discussions and bring your ideas to the table. We look forward to meeting you!
May 2026 Live Collections CoP Open Discussion Read More »
As ASTC approaches the conclusion of its current strategic plan, the Board of Directors is close to finalizing our association’s new strategic framework to 2030. Join us for a sneak peek of our progress, priorities, and overall direction. Hear from ASTC President and CEO Christofer Nelson about how the emerging strategy aims to help members
Allied Member Sneak Peek with ASTC CEO: ASTC Strategy to 2030 Read More »
Carrie Bassett has been involved with FrogWatch since 2015 and became the National Coordinator in 2022. She holds a degree in biology with an emphasis in secondary education and has worked at the Akron Zoo for over 20 years.
A Deep Dive into FrogWatch: An ASTC Living Collections Webinar Read More »
New to the science center and museum field—or looking for a clearer view of how it all fits together? Join ASTC for a welcoming introduction to the people, organizations, and ideas that shape the global science museum community. This interactive session will explore how science centers and museums operate, highlight key milestones and trends in
Science Centers and Museums 101: Foundations of the Field Read More »
Advocacy Office Hours are an informal space to connect with peers, bring questions, and share your own insights. As many organizations work to more fully activate their boards as advocates, our April conversation will be lightly themed around board engagement in advocacy and help you navigate questions about roles, boundaries, and confidence. Bring questions on board
Advocacy Office Hours: Engaging Board Members Read More »
Ready to strengthen your organization’s advocacy efforts? Join us for a workshop on coalition building at the state and local level—one of the most effective strategies for science centers and museums looking to expand their policy reach and community impact. The session will offer practical frameworks and peer conversation for those working to build new
Advocacy Workshop: State and Local Coalition Building Read More »
Every year, ASTC’s Annual Statistics Survey collects and shares a large dataset from hundreds of science center and science engagement organizations’ worldwide on their visitor attendance, workforce, facilities, financial models, engagement strategies, and more. In anticipation of opening this year’s call for data, we are hosting a webinar on how science engagement organizations around the
Using ASTC’s Annual Statistics Survey Data to Support Your Operations Read More »
Together, we’ll unpack the pressure between professionalism and authenticity, discuss strategies for self-advocacy and community support, and imagine workplaces where professionals can thrive without feeling the need to fragment themselves. With special guest speakers, Andrea Harp from Michigan Science Center and Veronica Garcia-Luis from Exploratorium.
Speak On It! A Conversation on Code Switching Read More »