The role of science festivals

Abstract

The wind of change is blowing through the world of science outreach. Tried and tested approaches—in journalism, broadcasting, museums, science centers, and elsewhere—are being reworked in unconventional and sometimes surprising ways. At the same time, older assumptions—about the importance of emphasizing “objectivity” in science, of relying on professional mediators, or of a single-minded focus on conveying factual knowledge to under-informed audiences—are being actively questioned or simply set aside.