Ecsite, the European network of science centres and museums, has opened the process for speakers for next year’s event held on the island of Malta.
Ecsite is welcoming professionals, both Ecsite members and non-members, working around the field of science engagement, to submit proposals for Ecsite 2023 conference sessions, pre-conference workshops and showcases, which will take place in English.
Opportunities
Held on 14 June 2023, there will be five pre-conference workshops, providing in-depth and interactive peer learning opportunities. The sessions, each with approximately fifty participants, will take place at Esplora Science Centre in Kalkara.
During the main conference (15-17 June 2023), over one hundred sessions will take place over three days in Valletta. The varied format sessions will each last 75 minutes, facilitating up to 150 people each.
A variety of showcases provide additional opportunities. What’s New in Travelling Exhibitions provides attendees with a fast-paced preview of current and upcoming travelling science exhibitions around the world. Speakers will have a brief four minutes to pitch their travelling exhibitions.
Attendees working on non-profit and collaborative projects can showcase their efforts with the community in The Project Showcase. Participants will provide a straightforward two-minute pitch based on an object that embodies their project, followed by a networking opportunity. All are welcome to apply, however, priority will be given to projects that involve Ecsite members.
The Grand Bazaar is a hands-on activities showcase, home to inspiring activities and demonstrations. This area is ideal for enthusiastic experts who are looking for a practical space to engage with the public. Interested parties should register their interest by emailing Wiktor Gajewski.
Selection process
Proposed sessions will be evaluated and selected by the Conference Programme Committee (ACPC), a panel of members who are experts in the field of science engagement.
ACPC chairperson Brad Irwin says: ”I am really pleased to be starting this process again to select ideas and formats that challenge us as a sector, that make us think differently and when combined, make an outstanding programme.”
Ecsite will be running online help sessions for all parties interested in submitting a proposal for next year’s conference, designed to take prospective speakers step by step through the submission process step-by-step, and answer any queries.
The closing date for proposal submissions is 31 Oct 2022, other key dates and information can be found on the Ecsite website.
