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Juan Carlos I Royal Botanic Gardens, Alcalá de Henares University, Spain
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Juan Carlos I Royal Botanic Gardens, Alcalá de Henares University, Spain
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Tooro Botanical Gardens, Uganda
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Botanical Garden of the University Vienna, Austria
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Balkan Botanik Garden of Kroussia, Greece
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Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum, Free University of Berlin, Germany
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Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum, Free University of Berlin, Germany
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Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Agentschap Plantentuin Meise, Belgium
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The Royal Botanic Garden of Madrid, Spain
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Hortus Botanicus Leiden, Netherlands
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Natural History Museum University of Oslo, Norway
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University of Warsaw Botanic Garden, Poland
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University Botanic Gardens of Sofia University "St.Kliment Ohridski"
What is a science café?
‘Ignoring the fact that science is an integral part of human culture is a serious error if we want to overcome humanity's great challenges’ (Kovac, 2006).
Today many people do not feel connected to science, have difficulties in seeing how science and science research is linked to their everyday life and do not see opportunities to have an impact on its current and future development. To counteract this phenomenon, science cafés are organized not only in Europe but worldwide. Science cafés welcome people who may or may not typically get involved with scientific discussions. Thus, they take place in a wide range of casual gathering spaces, connect different stakeholders and those who promote them create an atmosphere where all participants feel encouraged to listen to others and to share their thoughts.
Science cafés key aim
to empower people to talk to and learn from each other
An informal venue may help the audience feel comfortable to discuss the topic at hand and to ask questions. It has the potential to attract an audience not already involved in science. People who might not come to a lecture at a university or a museum are often more likely to go along to a round table talk in a bar, café or a public space. These venues put fewer barriers between those involved. Participants feel encouraged rather than intimidated to offer their opinion and people who are already at the venue feel comfortable to join in.
How to run a science café?
There is no one right (or wrong) way to run a science café, however, this guide will introduce you to ideas and approaches taken by Botanic Gardens all over Europe and will help you to get started with designing your unique science café. It will support you to define your goals and decide how you want to engage people and set the scene.
To get started we recommend to click on the cup to answer the following questions:
