Ciência Viva - National Agency for Scientific and Technological Culture (Pavilion of Knowledge - Ciência Viva)

Type of Institution: Association
Telephone: +3518985020

 

Ciência Viva – The National Agency for Scientific and Technological Culture

Ciência Viva, the National Agency for Scientific and Technological Culture in Portugal, was established in 1996 to promote public engagement with science and technology, as well as science education. Created as a unit of what was then the Ministry of Science and Technology, Ciência Viva has since evolved into an association that brings together public bodies and research institutes. Since its creation, Ciência Viva has fostered a social movement in favour of science and scientific culture, involving hundreds of thousands of researchers and citizens, students and teachers, young people and adults alike.

The Pavilion of Knowledge, in Lisbon, is the headquarters of Ciência Viva and the largest science centre in Portugal. Among others, it holds the “Explore” permanent exhibition, with 40 modules originally designed for the Exploratorium in San Francisco, to be discovered autonomously or with the support of a team of explainers. 

Activities

Ciência Viva’s expertise lies in STEAM education, public engagement, and the dissemination of scientific knowledge. To accomplish its mission, Ciência Viva relies on the coordination of four major networks:

 

  • The Network of Ciência Viva Clubs (over 895 school clubs dedicated to science and technology, each coordinated by a teacher);
    Link: https://clubes.cienciaviva.pt/ (in PT)
  • The Network of Ciência Viva Schools (20 learning spaces for pre-school and primary students to spend a week combining hands-on experimental work with the school curriculum in a classroom setting within a science centre);
    Link: https://www.cienciaviva.pt/escolascv/rede/ 

Services

Ciência Viva operates through its networks, offering interactive exhibitions, educational programmes, public engagement initiatives, and outreach activities for people of all ages.

Travelling exhibitions

With more than a decade of experience in developing high-quality interactive travelling exhibitions on a wide range of STEAM topics, Ciência Viva manages the entire process from the concept to the final product – conceiving, designing, prototyping, and delivering exhibitions. With three major interactive exhibitions currently on the international market, and several smaller productions at national level, Ciência Viva has consolidated its position as a leading producer of science exhibitions.

Link: https://www.pavconhecimento.pt/travellingexhibitions/index.php  

 

International Programme for Professional Development

The International Programme for Professional Development is aimed at professionals from museums and science centres and those who work in the science education field and privilege contact with the scientific community and the public. These are short internships of active professional immersion at the Pavilion of Knowledge - Ciência Viva Centre in Lisbon, sharing knowledge and best practices in science communication and education. 

Link: https://www.cienciaviva.pt/en/education/international-program-professional-development 

 

Ciência Viva Journeys

Ciência Viva Journeys are a scientific tourism programme that allows individuals, families and friends to get to know Portugal, starting from the 21 Ciência Viva Science Centres across the country. The initiative includes more than 200 stops to visit, uniting knowledge, history, landscape, gastronomy and many places to explore. The Ciência Viva Journey’s card includes free admission to the Ciência Viva Science Centres for a year, discounts on accommodation, restaurants, museums, monuments and leisure activities.

Link: https://www.circuitoscienciaviva.pt/