Ecsite, the European network of science centres and museums, will draw up to 1,000 science communicators from over 45 countries to its Annual Conference held this year in Graz, Austria. It is open to all professionals working in science centres or museums, natural history museums, universities, aquaria, zoos, research institutes and private companies in the field.

The conference will be celebrating its 27th edition and is hosted by three Austrian partners: Frida & freD, the Graz Children Museum; Universalmuseum Joanneum; and the Austrian-wide Association ScienceCentre-Network.
The three-day event will run 9-11 June 2016 and showcase the latest research and developments in public engagement with science through dynamic sessions, debates, workshops and a trade show called the Business Bistro. Pre-conference meetings and workshops, held two days prior to the main conference (7-8 June 2016), will give in-depth insight into numerous aspects of the science communication field.

“We are proud to invite you to the 27th Ecsite Annual Conference, co-organised by Ecsite and a trio of local hosts in Graz, Austria, on 9-11 June. The Ecsite conference is open to everyone interested in public engagement with science,” said Michiel Buchel, President of Ecsite.
The programme offers a diverse mix of more than 90 sessions delivered by over 400 speakers, ranging from practical advice on how to conceive interactive exhibits to discussions on the sector’s contribution in tackling global issues linked to this year’s theme: “Colours of Cooperation”. Other topics include science and society; strategy and vision; business and fundraising; research, theory and evaluation; operations and finance.

High profile guest speakers will be: President of the Republic of Austria Heinz Fischer; Keynote speaker Dr Elizabeth Rasekoala, the President of African Gong – the Pan-African Network for the Popularisation of Science & Technology, and Science Communication; Keynote speaker Frans de Waal, Biologist, Primatologist, and Professor at Psychology Department of Emory University.
More than 50 exhibitors will be showcasing their latest products and services at the buzzing Business Bistro and participants will be able to get hands-on in two workshop spaces, the Maker space and the Game Lab. Not to forget the many networking opportunities like the Newcomers’ breakfast, the colourful Nocturne or the Gala Ball, held at the Stefaniensaal, known as one of the world’s best concert halls.