Southern African Association for Science and Technology Centres (SAASTEC)

The Mandela Science Centre is a newly established member of the Southern African Association for Science and Technology Centres (SAASTEC), successfully participated in the 25th SAASTEC Conference. The conference took place from 25th–28th November 2024 at the South African Astronomical Observatory in Cape Town, Cape Town Science Centre and Garden Court. This gathering brought together practitioners from Southern Africa and International to explore innovative strategies for enhancing science engagement.

Key Outcomes from the Conference

1. Networking and Collaboration

• Established valuable connections with other science centres, Museums, and practitioners in the region.
• Explored potential collaborative projects, including resource sharing, joint exhibitions, and educational programs.
• Strengthened relationships with key stakeholders, which will support the growth and visibility of the Mandela Science Centre.

2. Knowledge and Skill Development

• Attended sessions addressing challenges and solutions in science engagement, with a focus on bridging the gap between science and society.
• Gained insights into innovative approaches presented under the conference sub-themes:
  • Journeying with the United Nations into the World of the Camelids: Considered how global narratives can inspire local science programs.
  • Explore and Discover the Cosmos: Explored new ideas for integrating astronomy and ocean exploration into the Science Centre's offerings.
• Acquired practical ideas to enhance interactive exhibits and educational programs for diverse age groups.

Key Outcomes from the Conference

3. Networking and Collaboration

• Established valuable connections with other science centres, Museums, and practitioners in the region.
• Explored potential collaborative projects, including resource sharing, joint exhibitions, and educational programs.
• Strengthened relationships with key stakeholders, which will support the growth and visibility of the Mandela Science Centre.

4. Knowledge and Skill Development

• Attended sessions addressing challenges and solutions in science engagement, with a focus on bridging the gap between science and society.
• Gained insights into innovative approaches presented under the conference sub-themes:
  • Explore and Discover the Cosmos: Explored new ideas for integrating astronomy and ocean exploration into the Science Centre's offerings.
  • Journeying with the United Nations into the World of the Camelids: Considered how global narratives can inspire local science programs.
• Acquired practical ideas to enhance interactive exhibits and educational programs for diverse age groups.

5. Strategic Positioning of the Science Centre

• Positioned the Mandela Science Centre as an emerging leader in science engagement by sharing insights and participating in discussions.
• Highlighted the Centre’s commitment to science literacy and education within Southern Africa, enhancing its reputation within the sector. 

6. Program Development

• Identified opportunities to incorporate emerging themes, such as astronomy and global sustainability topics, into future exhibitions and educational initiatives.
• Gained actionable ideas for leveraging technology to make the Centre's programs more interactive and engaging.

Overall Benefits of Membership and Conference Attendance

• Enhanced Credibility: Membership with SAASTEC bolsters the Science Centre's standing in the science engagement community.
• Stronger Networks: The conference provided a platform to establish meaningful connections that can lead to impactful collaborations.
• Improved Programming: Insights from the event will be integrated into our operations, helping us stay innovative and aligned with global trends.
• Capacity Building: Participation contributed to professional growth and the ability to lead transformative initiatives within the Centre.

Next Steps

1. Implement Conference Learnings: Develop strategies to apply new ideas and best practices into the Science Centre's programs and exhibitions.
2. Collaboration Opportunities: Follow up with contacts made during the conference to explore potential joint projects.
3. Enhance Member Engagement: Actively participate in SAASTEC initiatives and leverage the network for continuous growth.

By attending the SAASTEC Conference, Science Centre gained critical insights and built relationships that will significantly contribute to the growth and development of the Mandela Science Centre. This experience reinforces our commitment to promoting science literacy and fostering a scientifically engaged society

African Planetarium Association (APA) Biannual Workshop 

The Mandela Science Centre has registered to participate in the upcoming African Planetarium Association (APA) Biannual Workshop. This workshop is scheduled to take place from 22 - 23 March 2025 at the University of South Africa (UNISA) Florida Campus in Johannesburg, South Africa. The event is being held in conjunction with the General Assembly and 5th Annual Conference of the African Astronomical Society (AfAS-2025), which will run from 24 - 28 March 2025.

Workshop Overview

The APA Biannual Workshop aims to assess the current state of planetaria in Africa and foster collaboration within the African planetarium community. The event will provide a platform for knowledge exchange, best practices, and discussions on overcoming shared challenges. Additionally, it will facilitate the election of a new APA committee and identify ways in which APA can further support the development of planetaria across the continent.

Significance of Participation 

The Mandela Science Centre’s involvement in this workshop aligns with its mission to promote science engagement and education through innovative means, including its planetarium. By attending, the Science Centre will:

• Gain insights into best practices and successful models for running planetaria in Africa.
• Engage with leading experts and practitioners in the field.
• Strengthen collaborations with APA and other African planetaria for potential future partnerships.
• Contribute to discussions that shape the strategic direction of planetarium development across the continent.

The Science Centre’s engagement in the APA Biannual Workshop presents an important opportunity to strengthen its planetarium’s role in science education and outreach. The knowledge and connections gained from this workshop will contribute to the Centre’s ongoing efforts to enhance public engagement with astronomy and related engagement initiatives. The Mandela Science Centre looks forward to participating in this strategic event and leveraging the insights gained to advance its programs.

Global and Regional Science Centre & Planetarium Conferences (2025-2026)

The Science Centre remains committed to global collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange by actively participating in key Science Centre and Planetarium Conferences. These conferences serve as critical platforms for professional development, networking, and exploring emerging trends in science communication, immersive education, and digital engagement.

In addition to attending these conferences, the Science Centre will take the opportunity to visit leading international science centres and planetariums. These visits will provide firsthand exposure to cutting-edge exhibition designs, technological advancements, and audience engagement strategies, ensuring that the centre remains aligned with global best practices.

The table below highlights key conferences in 2025 and 2026, offering valuable opportunities for engagement, learning, and partnership-building:

Upcoming Science Centre & Planetarium Conferences

 

Strategic Benefits of Conference Participation & International Science Centre Visits

• Global Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing: Strengthen partnerships with international science centres, planetariums, and museums.
• Professional Development & Capacity Building: Gain insights into cutting-edge educational technologies, exhibition trends, and immersive experiences.
• Technology & Innovation Insights: Explore advanced planetarium systems, interactive learning platforms, and digital storytelling techniques.
• Benchmarking & Best Practices: Understand how leading institutions structure their exhibitions, visitor engagement strategies, and operational models.
• Strategic Partnerships: Establish collaborations for content exchange, joint research initiatives, and global STEM education projects.

By combining conference participation with science centre visits, the Nelson Mandela University Science Centre will ensure that global expertise is translated into local impact, enhancing its role as a premier hub for STEAM education and science engagement in Africa.