Enhancing Change Through Science Centres

In our rapidly changing world, there is a great need for the public understanding of science and technology to create more science literate society at all age levels. Science centres and science museums are vital and powerful media for popularisation of science and creating a scientific temper across the globe. Science centres are among those institutions that can play a role in showcasing science to common people, whereas museums enable people to explore collections for inspiration, learning and enjoyment. The mission statements of science centres and modern museums may vary, but all make science accessible to one and all and encourage the excitement of discovery. They are an integral and dynamic part of the learning environment, promoting exploration from the first ‘Eureka!’ moment to today’s cutting edge research. In order to address some of the pertinent issues and review the latest status of development related to science centres, science museums, science popularisation and science education, the Centre for Science and Technology of the Non-Aligned and other Developing Countries (NAM S&T Centre) organized its 5th international workshop in its Science Centre series at Johannesburg, South Africa during 25-28 February 2008 and in pursuance thereof, has brought out this publication which includes 28 scientific articles and review papers. This reference material will help the entire scientific community of developing countries in executing proper plans and strategies for inspiring the scientific values and temper among their people.