Centers for Public Science Learning
The true measure of a museum is not its buildings, collections, or attendance.
It is the positive difference it makes in the world.
Our Centers for Public Science Learning are the key to enabling the Museum of Science to make that positive difference.
For nearly 200 years, the Museum of Science has inspired the public with the power of science to help humanity understand the world, solve problems, and create bright futures for everyone. The Museum now faces the challenge of helping people engage with science in a time of rapid innovation. We can no longer move at the speed of traditional exhibits. We have to move at the speed of science and include everyone in the future it enables.
We are answering this challenge through the Centers for Public Science Learning. The Centers enable the public to keep up with current science and technology. Led by directors whose networks connect them to leading scientists in Boston and beyond, the Centers produce programming that hooks the public on the latest in science and technology, gives them hope for humanity, and enables them to imagine a place for themselves in our science-driven world.
The first three Centers are the Center for Life Sciences, the Center for the Environment, and the Center for Space Sciences. These Centers will bring cutting-edge science and technology to the world because of their deep connection with our region’s science-rich community, and because of the Museum’s ability to stay current with digitally enabled learning experiences onsite, in the classroom, and online.
The Center for Life Sciences brings together academia, industry, government, and the public to create a vision for—and a commitment to—making life sciences accessible and relevant for all. The Center translates this vision into learning experiences in museums, in classrooms, and online. The result is an engaged public, increased trust, and a sense of optimism for the future.
The Center for the Environment brings together academia, industry, government, and the public to create a vision for—and a commitment to—a sustainable future for everyone. Through the Center, people experience the power of current science and technology to help humanity mitigate and adapt to climate change. The result is hope, and the inspiration to act.
The Center for Space Sciences brings together academia, industry, government, and the public to create a vision for—and a commitment to—increasing public understanding of astronomy and space exploration. The Center translates this vision into learning experiences in museums, in classrooms, and online. The result is wonder for the universe and excitement to explore our own place in it.