Who Are We?

The North Africa and Middle East Science centers network (NAMES) was launched on 30 January 2006 during a meeting initiated and organized by the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (BA) Planetarium Science Center (PSC).

The GOAL of NAMES is the popularization of science throughout the region by enhancing the public understanding and involvement in science and scientific culture among an increasingly diverse audience.

The PURPOSE of creating NAMES is to foster cooperation between existing science centers and museums, as well as other science engagement entities, professionals, and enthusiasts, in North Africa and the Middle East with the aim of benefiting from all available resources and experiences within the region to further enhance the role of all member institutions and individuals.

• On joining the network, members abide by NAMES Internal Regulations.

• To join NAMES, please fill out the Online Registration Form (currently undergoing updates and will be published soon; meanwhile, you can contact us at namesnetwork@bibalex.org).

Our Mission

NAMES aims to democratize science throughout the region by enhancing public understanding and involvement in science among an increasingly diverse public by means of informal education.

Our Vision

The purpose of creating NAMES is to foster cooperation between member institutions and individuals with the aim of benefiting from, and maximizing upon, the collective available resources and experiences within the region. Networking and collaboration within the region and with the rest of the world enhances the knowledge of the dynamic and ever-changing pace of science and technology necessary for achieving the common goal of science democratization. The network also aims to help establish new science centers and museums, as well as science communication initiatives and projects, in all countries of the region.

Our Objectives

• Identifying the current situation, means, and venues of science engagement throughout the region.
• Promoting best practices, supporting effective communication, and encouraging excellence and innovation in informal science learning.
• Providing professional development for the science engagement field in the region, collaborating to enhance the performance of those involved in the field, and making best use of all available resources within the region.
• Spreading the message of informal education and strengthening the position of science centers/museums within the community at large.
• Emphasizing and popularizing the cultural and scientific heritage of the region.

To know more about NAMES Membership Categories and Benefits, please click here.

NAMES Logo Guidelines: English - Arabic