Announcements

We are proud to announce the opening of the Mijbil Almutawa Award Program (MAAP) for 2026. In keeping with Mr. Almutawa’s lifelong commitment to supporting youth, this award is designed to empower the next generation of science communication professionals.
📅Application Deadline: 20 January 2026

Do not miss the opportunity to contribute your voice to NAMES 2026 program and be a part of this significant 20th-anniversary celebration. Your expertise is crucial to developing strategies that will strengthen our regional network and drive impactful community engagement.
🗓️ 7–9 April 2026 📍 The Scientific Center of Kuwait
⭐Theme: Rethinking Engagement & Building Communities
⌛Contribution Proposals Submission Deadline: 4 January

We are thrilled to announce that NAMES 8th Conference and General Assembly Meeting (NAMES 2026) will take place in Kuwait, 6-9 April 2026.

The International Directors Forum (INTEDIF) 2026 is coming to Bangkok, Thailand! Hosted by the ASPAC network at the National Science Museum (NSM), this premier event for senior leaders in science engagement will take place on 17-18 August 2026.

Mark your calendars! The International Day of Scientific Culture (IDSC) is celebrated every year on 28 September. This date was chosen to honor the anniversary of the first broadcast of the influential science series Cosmos, a true milestone in science communication.

We are delighted to announce the successful conclusion of the Euro-Mediterranean and Middle East (EMME) Summer School for Science Communication 2025! From 21-25 September 2025, 25 middle- and senior-level professionals from the Euro-Mediterranean and Middle East regions gathered at Ciência Viva's Pavilion of Knowledge in Lisbon, Portugal, for five intensive days of training, collaboration, and innovation.

We are pleased to announce the successful completion of the "Making and Tinkering Community" Workroom, a comprehensive program designed to empower professionals in developing engaging and impactful hands-on activities.

This comprehensive Workroom will consist of five dynamic online sessions via Zoom Platform, guiding participants through the entire process of creating and implementing successful Making and Tinkering experiences for their audiences. We are thrilled to confirm that the Workroom will be led by Samar Kirresh, Founder & Director, AlElieh for Science, Environment & Art.

NAMES network is excited to announce the annual Mijbil Almutawa Award Program (MAAP 2025)! This award honors the legacy of the late Mijbil Almutawa, a pivotal figure in the development of NAMES and the science engagement field. The program supports young science engagement professionals by covering expenses to attend EMME Summer School 2025.

Whether you are hosting an event, organizing a workshop, or participating in a science outreach program, we want to know! NAMES community is eager to learn about all the exciting science engagement activities happening in our region.