Association of Science and Technology Centers

Association of Science and Technology Centers is a global network championing the role of science centers and museums in public engagement with science. Founded in 1973, it serves over 500 member institutions across nearly 50 countries, ranging from major facilities like the Exploratorium and the Ontario Science Centre to smaller community-based organizations. The organization fosters collaboration, develops resources, and advocates for the field to enhance informal science learning and promote the understanding of science and technology worldwide.

History and Mission

The organization was established in 1973 by a pioneering group of directors from institutions including the Lawrence Hall of Science, the Museum of Science and Industry (Chicago), and the Franklin Institute. Its formation responded to a growing recognition of the unique educational role played by hands-on science museums, distinct from traditional natural history or art museums. The founding vision was to create a professional community for sharing best practices in exhibit design, educational programming, and museum management. Evolving from a small North American consortium, its mission expanded to advance public engagement with science and foster a global network of institutions dedicated to inspiring curiosity and discovery. Key early supporters and partners included the National Science Foundation and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, which helped shape its focus on informal STEM education.

Member Institutions and Network

The membership encompasses a diverse array of over 500 organizations in nearly 50 countries, including science centers, children's museums, natural history museums, zoos, aquariums, planetariums, and botanical gardens. Notable members include the Smithsonian Institution's science units, the California Academy of Sciences, the Museum of Science, Boston, and international leaders like Technorama in Switzerland and the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) in Tokyo. The network facilitates peer-to-peer learning, joint projects, and professional exchanges, connecting institutions such as the Saint Louis Science Center with the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. Membership categories support everything from large organizations like the Field Museum of Natural History to emerging science centers in regions across Africa and Southeast Asia.

Major Programs and Initiatives

Core programs focus on capacity building, community engagement, and addressing global challenges. The International Science Center & Science Museum Day is a worldwide event promoting public access to science. The organization administers the Science Center World Summit, a periodic global convening in locations like Tokyo and Brussels. It manages the IF/THEN® Initiative in partnership with Lyda Hill Philanthropies to advance women in STEM. Other key initiatives include the Climate Change Education Partnership and the Building Bridges for Environmental Literacy project, often funded by agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It also coordinates the ASTC Annual Conference, a major professional meeting for leaders from institutions like the Pacific Science Center and the Maryland Science Center.

Advocacy and Public Engagement

The organization advocates for the informal science education sector before policymakers in Washington, D.C., and intergovernmental bodies like UNESCO. It works to inform federal legislation and funding decisions affecting agencies such as the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Public engagement efforts include promoting inclusive access through the ASTC Passport Program, which offers reciprocal admission benefits across members like the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and the Museum of Life and Science. It also leads public dialogue projects on topics like synthetic biology and climate science, partnering with entities like the American Museum of Natural History and the Science Museum of Minnesota.

Governance and Organizational Structure

Governance is led by a Board of Directors composed of executives from member institutions such as the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) and the New York Hall of Science. The board sets strategic direction in consultation with committees focused on areas like government relations and professional development. Day-to-day operations are managed by a professional staff headquartered in Washington, D.C., under the leadership of the President and CEO. Key operational units focus on research, membership services, and global partnerships. The organization collaborates closely with allied groups like the American Alliance of Museums and the European Network of Science Centres and Museums (Ecsite).

Category:International scientific organizations Category:Science education organizations Category:Museum associations Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C. Category:Organizations established in 1973