Who is Talking in the Museum?

Science centres and museums can be considered a microcosm of the relationship between science and the public. Thus, it is of interest and importance to examine the evolution of science education and communication in the context of science centres and museums, as well as the implications for a more democratic model of science communication. Through exhibitions, films and educational programs, museums present science and technology in a specific light. Nowadays, museums are veritable wonderlands, where science and technology are accessible, increasing the level of enjoyment for the public. Are we to see this as a ＂happily-ever-after＂ for museums? Shall we endeavour to exclude the controversial and unresolved issues of scientific and technological research existing outside the territory of the museum, as these might interfere with the public's image of the museum as an ＂authority＂? In response to the conference theme ＂The Museum at a Crossroads,＂ this article aims to examine the political identity of the science museum as a public institution, as well as the challenges brought about by the changing dynamics of the science/society relationship. The European project of ＂Nanototouch＂ will also be discussed as a new model of science museum communication.

關鍵字

Science communication ； science education ； science museum ； nanotechnology

並列摘要

科學是人類智慧的結晶，隨著科技產業不斷擴大，如今我們的生活受到其全面的主宰。現代科學的興起建構了跨國族，文化，性別與產經的全面性的階級制度。當科技專業凌駕了倫理，環保等社會爭議時，專家與非專家的分野日益擴大，衝突必然而生。如何將衝突轉化為有效的溝通，已成為科學博物館／科學中心共同的挑戰。本文以Nanotechnology為例，探討歐洲科學博物館／科學中心所面對的挑戰與覺醒。