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UNESCO supports science

20 February 2008

Professor Patricia Rich (seated front row far right) attended a UNESCO conference highlighting the need to increase the popularity of science worldwide.

Head of Paleontology and Founding Director of the Monash Science Centre, Professor Patricia Rich, was recently invited to attend the Asia-Pacific regional forum on the popularisation of science.

The theme of the conference was 'Fostering the role of science culture in a knowledge-based society'.

The forum was held in Seoul, Korea last month and hosted by the Korea Science foundation and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The meeting had four targeted sessions: Global challenges and perspectives on science popularisation; Governance issues of science centers and museums; Science Education for youth; and Popularisation for the public at large.

The Monash Science Centre was asked to give a public presentation on the popularisation of science and specifically comment on what catches people's attention in the transfer of scientific research to the non-scientist.

Science Centre Director, Professor Pat Rich said the conference saw the establishment of a permanent forum appointing Dr Doe Sun Na as President.

"The forum will set up a website, publishing an online newsletter. The next meeting will be held in Brunei in November 2008. In the meantime, the secretariat based in Seoul will strive to help support, network and encourage local activities in the region," Professor Rich said.

"Members of ASPAC, which is an association of the Asia Pacific Science Centre, have been invited to the next forum so that communication can be assured.

UNESCO has offered strong support to the development of the local network with unique solutions to science communication across a great variety of cultures in local areas around the globe," Professor Rich said.