The social and economic development of a country is closely linked with the understanding and application of science and technology by its people. It is hence imperative that we comprehend and understand the impact of scientific and technological advances that have shaped our lives in the past few decades.
In this respect, science centres and museums play a vital role in communicating basic scientific information to the people and help them make informed choices. Further, science centres and museums act as an interface between the general public and the scientific community. Indeed, science centres and museums are powerful tools for social change and for developing a scientific outlook among the people.
Moreover, science centres and museums are very important in discovering and exploring ideas and also in helping to forge a strong relationship between science and society. Such assertive links are imperative because though science and technology can offer many benefits to the society and to the economy, these benefits can only be realized with the support of the public. The role of museums in society has also expanded as they are not merely concerned with the procurement, care, study and display of objects but also are the information centres for understanding our world, raising public awareness of current research and stimulating an interest in science among people. These can also help in encouraging more people from ethnic minorities into science. This challenge is extremely important one if we are to realize the benefits of science. It will unable us to exchange ideas and forge new partnerships, and make a critical difference in this important dimension of our national lives. In order to fully comprehend the unprecedented growth in various fields of science and technology and their impact on the socio-economic progress particularly in an emerging economy, the role of science centres and museums is vital because of visual impression aids in the process of quickly grasping various facets of the new knowledge.
The present publication is based on the proceedings of an international workshop organized by the NAM S&T Centre in Hanoi, Vietnam during October 2004. It contains the contributions from well-known experts on the status and overview of science centres and museums in several developing countries, viz. Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Sudan, Vietnam, and Zambia. It also includes the Hanoi Resolution 2004 signed by the representatives of the countries that attended the Hanoi workshop. The content is focused on the programmes, activities, galleries, displays, exhibits, methods, means, strategies etc. to attract more visitors to the science centres and museums.
The publication is very useful as permanent reference material for the professionals working in the area of science centres and museums and can also help developing countries in working out appropriate plans and strategies for inculcating scientific values and temper among masses.
Editor: Dr. Narender K. Sehgal
Published by: Centre for Science & Technology of Non-Aligned and Other Developing Countries (NAM S&T Centre)
Year of Publication: 2005
Price: Rs. 950/ US $ 80 ISBN 81-7035-379-3
