Bio:
Rosalia Vargas, graduate of the University of Porto, in Philosophy, former President of Ecsite (2013-15), is the founder and current President of Ciencia Viva, the portuguese national agency for scientific and technological culture. Her experience in policymaking includes position as senior advisor for the minister of science, as well as elected councilor for education, culture and youth at the Lisbon city government.
Abstract:
This talk will focus on the connections between science centers and policymakers, both at national and regional levels. It will show how science centers can be seen as effective platforms of contact and dialogue between governments, parliaments, local councils and the citizens, and society at large. The talk will also present and discuss three practical examples of this interaction:
(i) Science centers as tools for the dissemination of government education initiatives, namely a program to mobilize young students to pursue higher education studies;
(ii) Parliament science cafe, a forum for the debate of science themes involving members of the parliament, citizens and scientists; and, finally
(iii) How science centers can provide assistance to local councils in the setting up of innovative education programs.