Association of Science and Technology Centers
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sciencecenters.bsky.social
Association of Science and Technology Centers
@sciencecenters.bsky.social
Our Purpose: To champion and support science and technology centers and museums and the entire science engagement field.

Our Vision: Increasing understanding of and engagement with science and technology among all people.
We are so excited to announce the keynote for #ASTC2025:

@edyong209.bsky.social is a Pulitzer Prize-winning science reporter whose fascinating presentations on animals and the natural world are infused with humor, joy, wonder, and infectious enthusiasm.

www.astc.org/astc-2025/sc...
Plenary Sessions - Association of Science and Technology Centers
ASTC 2025 Annual Conference September 5–8, 2025San Francisco Bay Area Plenary Sessions The ASTC 2025 Annual Conference will include several plenary sessions that will bring the entire community togeth...
www.astc.org
May 23, 2025 at 3:23 PM
During a briefing yesterday, ASTC shared the results of a new national survey which explored how adults in the U.S. engage with science in their daily lives and revealed important insights about public perspectives on federal investments in scientific infrastructure.

www.astc.org/astc-news-an...
New ASTC survey shows gaps between public support for science and understanding of how science is impacted by federal actions - Association of Science and Technology Centers
New data from the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) reveal that while adults in the United States value science in their daily lives, it is unclear the extent to which they associat...
www.astc.org
May 7, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Results from a new ASTC survey on @npr.org this morning.
May 6, 2025 at 12:58 PM
@npr.org shares the results of a new ASTC survey that showed that while >90% of U.S. adults use scientific information for everyday decision-making, only 10% say that cuts to federal support for science, which could impact their access to such data, is a top concern. www.npr.org/2025/05/06/n...
Most Americans use federal science information on a weekly basis, a new poll finds
Most Americans frequently use federal science information. But few are concerned that cuts to federal science spending could affect their access to such information, a new poll finds.
www.npr.org
May 6, 2025 at 12:07 PM
Join us for a briefing tomorrow, May 6, at 3 pm ET to learn about new data from ASTC which reveal that while adults in the U.S. value science in their daily lives, many don't recognize the critical link between federal investments and the information they rely on.

www.astc.org/conference-e...
New ASTC Survey Shows Disconnect Between Public Support for Science and Federal Policy Impact - Association of Science and Technology Centers
A recent ASTC national survey finds 72% of U.S. adults believe science benefits them and 89% view federal STEM investment as important for economic prosperity. It is unclear the extent to which they a...
www.astc.org
May 5, 2025 at 2:54 PM
TODAY is the last day to submit nominations for ASTC’s Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Awards. Do you have an inspiring example of how organizations and individuals have enhanced the performance of their organizations or advanced our field?

www.astc.org/awards
Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Awards - Association of Science and Technology Centers
The Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Awards are presented to ASTC members and/or their staff and volunteers in recognition of extraordinary accomplishments. Honorees not only enhance the performance of thei...
www.astc.org
May 5, 2025 at 1:43 PM
New data from ASTC reveals a disconnect: while Americans value science in their daily lives, many don't recognize the critical link between federal investments and the scientific information they rely on.

www.astc.org/astc-news-an...

#SciEngage #ScienceEngagement #SciPol #SciencePolicy
New ASTC survey shows gaps between public support for science and understanding of how science is impacted by federal actions - Association of Science and Technology Centers
New data from the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) reveal that while adults in the United States value science in their daily lives, it is unclear the extent to which they associat...
www.astc.org
May 1, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Thanks to those who have already submitted nominations for ASTC’s Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Awards. If you haven’t done so yet, there’s still time to lift up achievements that exemplify the best of our field. Nominations close on Monday, May 5, 2025. www.astc.org/awards
Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Awards - Association of Science and Technology Centers
The Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Awards are presented to ASTC members and/or their staff and volunteers in recognition of extraordinary accomplishments. Honorees not only enhance the performance of thei...
www.astc.org
April 29, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Nominations are open for ASTC’s Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Awards.

During these uncertain times, it’s important to celebrate achievements in our field—so we look forward to receiving nominations that will inspire and uplift us with reminders about the importance of our work.

www.astc.org/awards
Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Awards - Association of Science and Technology Centers
The Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Awards are presented to ASTC members and/or their staff and volunteers in recognition of extraordinary accomplishments. Honorees not only enhance the performance of thei...
www.astc.org
April 10, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Congratulations to the 24 groups of early career researchers who are receiving 2024–2025 Civic Engagement Microgrants from @researchamerica.bsky.social. The program provides up to $4,000 to support innovative science outreach initiatives. www.researchamerica.org/civic-scienc...
2024-2025 Microgrant Recipients - Research!America
The 2024-2025 Research!America Civic Engagement Microgrant recipients are organizations offering innovative programs for early career researchers to build communication skills and increase their level...
www.researchamerica.org
April 7, 2025 at 3:08 PM
The Corning Museum of Glass has announced that Karol Wight, the museum’s President and Executive Director, will retire pending the completion of a search for her successor. press.cmog.org/2025/karol-w...
Karol Wight to Retire as President and Executive Director of the Corning Museum of Glass | Corning Museum of Glass
Corning, NY—The Corning Museum of Glass (CMoG) announced that Karol Wight, the Museum's President and Executive Director, will retire pending the completion of a search for her successor by the Board ...
press.cmog.org
April 4, 2025 at 4:30 PM
The potential loss of awarded grant funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services would hurt the ability of Discovery Center at Murfree Spring to serve students and educators across Tennessee, especially in rural areas.

www.newschannel5.com/news/federal...
Federal cuts threaten funding for learning opportunities in Tennessee
An executive order could dismantle vital funding for libraries and museums across the country, including Tennessee. A local museum director says this could impact children's education in rural areas.
www.newschannel5.com
April 1, 2025 at 2:49 PM
ASTC was honored to celebrate the groundbreaking for the Northern Virginia Science Center yesterday morning in the Kincora community of Loudoun County, Virginia.
April 1, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Employees from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) have been placed on administrative leave, effective today. Staff access to IMLS systems and offices, including email, has also been suspended.

www.astc.org/issues-polic...
IMLS staff put on administrative leave - Association of Science and Technology Centers
Employees from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) have been placed on administrative leave, effective today. Staff access to IMLS systems and offices, including email, has also been s...
www.astc.org
March 31, 2025 at 10:59 PM
Congrats to @bellmuseum.bsky.social for being honored with the Impact Goals Award from @arisimpacts.bsky.social. The museum was recognized for Solution Studio, recurring makerspace that showcases current science from U of Minnesota and the researchers who conduct it. www.astc.org/science-and-...
Bell Museum honored with ARIS Impact Goals Award - Association of Science and Technology Centers
The Bell Museum at the University of Minnesota, which serves as the state’s official natural history museum, has been honored with the Impact Goals Award from the Center for Advancing Research Impact ...
www.astc.org
March 24, 2025 at 10:18 PM
The Government of Canada and Science North have announced an of up to $20M to build a new net-zero science centre in Thunder Bay. Expected to reach 67,500 people annually, the new centre will offer high-quality cultural, recreational, and science-based experiences. www.canada.ca/en/housing-i...
Government of Canada commits up to $20 million to support community infrastructure in Thunder Bay - Canada.ca
Today Minister Patty Hajdu, Ashley Larose, Chief Executive Officer of Science North, and James Lundrigan, Chair of the Board of Trustees for Science North, announced a federal investment of up to $20 ...
www.canada.ca
March 19, 2025 at 8:37 PM
iNaturalist and ASTC recently launched a partnership to support the use of @inaturalist.bsky.social in science centers and museums in ways that contribute to a culture of hope and action for planetary health.

www.astc.org/conference-e...
ASTC/iNaturalist Information Session - Association of Science and Technology Centers
iNaturalist and ASTC recently launched a partnership to support the use of iNaturalist in science centers and museums in ways that contribute to a culture of hope and action for planetary health. iNat...
www.astc.org
March 19, 2025 at 4:49 PM
In the wake of Friday’s Executive Order that could dramatically impact IMLS, ASTC encourages all who support museums and libraries to contact their elected representatives at the state and federal levels.

www.astc.org/issues-polic...

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Speak up for museums and science centers - Association of Science and Technology Centers
The President issued an Executive Order (EO) on Friday, March 14 requiring several agencies, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), to eliminate all “non-statutory components a...
www.astc.org
March 17, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Three ASTC members have had spaces named to TIME magazine’s list of The World’s Greatest Places of 2025. We can’t wait to visit!

Corning Museum of Glass for The Studio

Lowell Observatory for the Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center

@nhm.org for NHM Commons

www.astc.org/astc-dimensi...
ASTC members named to TIME's list of world's greatest places of 2025 - Association of Science and Technology Centers
Several ASTC members have had locations named TIME magazine’s list of “The World’s Greatest Places for 2025.” The list was compiled by TIME‘s editors from nominations submitted by the magazine’s inter...
www.astc.org
March 16, 2025 at 10:06 PM
This week, the ASTC Board of Directors met to discuss the needs and opportunities for our field and begin mapping out our next 3-year strategy to meet this moment. Thank you to board member the team at Universum for hosting us in Mexico City for these critical conversations.
March 14, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Wishing everyone a Happy #PiDay 2025! This annual event, which got its start at the @exploratorium.bsky.social in 1988, is also ASTC’s 52nd birthday. Looking forward to celebrating all things math!
March 14, 2025 at 1:46 PM
The American Alliance of Museums is hosting a free webinar TODAY at 2:00 p.m. ET on “Censorship and Self-censorship in Museums.” The conversation will examine recent incidents, the forces driving them, and the implications for artistic and curatorial freedom. www.aam-us.org/event/censor...
Censorship and Self-censorship in Museums
As political, social, and security pressures mount, museums face increasing challenges in curating exhibitions, developing educational programs, and presenting content. From controversial artwork r…
www.aam-us.org
March 13, 2025 at 1:52 PM
In late February, about 50 reps of ASTC-member orgs were among the more than 350 individuals who gathered in Washington, D.C. for #MuseumsAdvocacy Day 2025. Our field spoke w/one voice about the essential value of museums to Members of Congress and their staff.
www.astc.org/issues-polic...
Advocates make the case during Museums Advocacy Day - Association of Science and Technology Centers
About 50 representatives of ASTC-member organizations were among the more than 350 people who descended on Washington, D.C., for Museums Advocacy Day 2025. This annual event organized by the American ...
www.astc.org
March 10, 2025 at 8:41 PM
The Gulf Research Program at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine—in partnership with @noaa.gov’s Environmental Literacy Program—is seeking applications for the Environmental Literacy for Community Resilience program. www.astc.org/issues-polic...
Funding Opportunity: Environmental Literacy for Community Resilience - Association of Science and Technology Centers
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Gulf Research Program is partnering with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s Environmental Literacy Program on ...
www.astc.org
March 5, 2025 at 3:24 AM