Ecsite, the European network of science centres and museums, has drawn more than 900 science communicators from 50 countries to its Conference.

It is open to all professionals who engage audiences in science and technology, whether working in science centres, museums, research bodies, festivals, universities or companies.  The Conference is hosted by Esplora Interactive Science Centre at locations across Valletta and Kalkara to offer international science engagement peers an inspiring setting and professional playground.

The 2023 ECSITE Conference Opening Ceremony was held today at the Mediterranean Conference Centre,Valletta. It opened with ‘Everlasting’ by ŻfinMalta, a dance choreographed by Paolo Mangiola and visuals by visual artist Matthew Attard. The piece was inspired by the wild plant Helikrijsum Melitense. The plant is endemic to Malta particularly to Dwejra, Gozo.

The conference was inaugurated by Hon. Clifton Grima, Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation. Minister Grima, spoke about the importance of inclusive education being equal for all, as well as how education continues to work on the inspirations of students in relation to the needs of the industry and the working world.

“We are working to be able to offer opportunities to students by also looking at the needs of the world of work. Thus we are giving importance to STEM subjects and to education that approach what we are facing in today’s world holistically, including what we are discussing in this conference: the climate crisis and biodiversity; misinformation; the importance of science; the skills sought in the 21st century; and inclusion and equity,” said Minister Grima.

From his end, the Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti spoke about the importance of science today, particularly in the field of industry and work. “Malta is continuing to emphasize more and more on STEM subjects so that we can continue to strengthen our sectors and leave a positive economic impact. Each year the investment in research and innovation is always increasing as we believe that this is the way forward so that we do not only create more jobs, but also valuable careers.  This conference brings together our vision with the vision from several other countries from all over the world.”

Addressing the Ecsite Community, MCST Chairman Dr. Portughese “Since we have joined ECSITE in 2011, ESPLORA has been an active participant in the activities and information-sharing for which ECSITE provides such a useful and effective forum.” He added that “we are fully in tune with the aims and objectives of ECSITE, and the hosting of this year’s conference was a natural outcome of our active and enthusiastic particpation. We too want our citizens to be emboldened to engage and participate in science.”

After the speeches on behalf of the organising hosts, a cultural interlude followed with Teatru Malta’s production, O. The O referes to Professor Friggieri, with a performance entitled ‘Ambjent’. Choreographed by Cheryl Lofreda featuring ‘The Movement’, Jamie Cardona and Claire Tonna, created and directed by Sean Buhagiar.

Ecsite President, Bruno Maquart, said “The Ecsite Conference is where the brightest minds in science engagement gather to inspire, connect, and shape the future of science engagement. Our Conference serves as a powerful platform for exchanging ideas, foster collaboration, and reimagine the possibilities of engaging the public with science and we are delighted to be hosted this year by Esplora Interactive Science centre.”

During the ceremony Dr. Tonio Portughese, MCST Chairman signed the Ecsite Environmental Emergency Pledge on behalf of ESPLORA and the Malta Council for Science and Technology, in which he fully committed to particpate in this startegic initiative. The pledge is intended to help ECSITE members to take steps to do better, small steps in the right direction.

The three-day event will run from 15-17 June 2022 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 one day prior to the main Conference (14 June 2023), will give in-depth insight into numerous aspects of the science communication field. The programme offers a diverse mix of more than 80 sessions delivered by over 300 speakers, ranging from biodiversity and climate crisis, equity and inclusion, 21st Century skills to misinformation. The Conference invites the science engagement community to build on three decades of science communication and look ahead, pushing the boundaries of our field and practices.

High profile guest speakers will be:

• Keynote speaker Dr Lauren Vargas, Independant researcher and Consultant

• Keynote speaker Rob Hopkins, Author, Podcaster and co-founder of Transition Network

41 exhibitors will be showcasing their latest products and services at the buzzing Business Bistro Trade show. In addition, there are many networking opportunities like the Gala Dinner with the Marianoo Gago Ecsite Award ceremony; the Nocturne, an evening of science entertainment at Esplora; and the Farewell Party on Saturday evening. Tailormade events include the newcomers breakfast, Onboarding event for new members, speakers reception and new for 2023 the CEO Focus.

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