Category: Press releases

Weekly science debates initiated at Bahrain Science Centre

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Our science centre is becoming a landmark in Isa Town Bahrain

After the amazing visitor response in the last two months where more than 3500 visitors enjoyed the science, art and craft workshops, Bahrain Science Centre is hosting a series of debates starting this month. Visitors are invited to participate in debates on topics which include marine conservation, nuclear energy, genetically modified food and organic food. With the Marine theme of the month, children and youth can also come and enjoy a talk which will take them through a spectacular journey to meet weird and wonderful creatures that live in the sea.

Getting visitors brains in motion with a series of exciting activities, the Centre will host debates, experiments (‘Experiment of the Week’, in which kids do their own experiments under the supervision of a science teacher), science-themed art activities, static electricity demonstrations, art workshops, MAD Science shows, animal story-telling and science talks. Visitors will be enthralled to experience the ‘Scary Skeletons’ exhibition lead by the team on a torchlight safari at the Centre. Entertaining and exciting activities are offered to develop essential life skills for visitors at the Science Centre, which falls under Bahrain’s Ministry of Social Development.

“Competitive debate is a challenging and highly rewarding activity for most who become involved in it.  The majority of people avoid public speaking, and debates provide a non-threatening environment to develop public speaking skills for the future. The Bahrain Science Centre encourages building these essential life skills in the youth and children”, said Assistant Undersecretary of Community Development, Mr. Khalid Ishaq, from Bahrain’s Ministry of Social Development.

The debates will help to enhance public speaking skills, build friendships among teammates, and develop research and analytical skills, often a characteristic that high-level business professionals possess. It also encourages listening and note-taking skills that help students to learn faster and obtain better grades.

“We are delighted with the enormous success of the Science Centre with over 3500 youths and children visiting in just two months, and we look forward to further successful events in the upcoming months at the Centre”, added Ishaq.

Currently operated and managed by MTE Studios, the Bahrain Science Centre is the first of its kind in the country and all the displays are designed to be educational. Schools in Bahrain started exploring the new Bahrain Science Centre by appointment prior to its official launch with great success since it first opened its doors in late March 2012. School groups are still being formally invited until the Bahrain Science Centre opens officially to children as well as families and adults in early October this year.

The Bahrain Science Centre is located in Building 334, Road 109, Block 801, Riyadh Avenue, Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain and can be contacted on 343 606 31.

Press release issued on behalf Bahrain Science Centre. For further information, please contact Shereen Shabnam on +971 507690087/504828177/shereen@mtestudios.com

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn visits Sultans of Science’ at BITEC

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Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn at the opening ceremony of ‘Sultans of Science’ at “National Science and Technology Fair 2012” in Thailand

Sultans of Science receives over 1.2 million visitors at “National Science and Technology Fair 2012”

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn graciously presided over the opening ceremony of the UAE exhibition ‘Sultans of Science’ which recently opened at “National Science and Technology Fair 2012”, the nation’s largest exposition on science and technology in Thailand at Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC). Over 1.2 million people visited the global travelling exhibition ‘Sultans of Science’ also known as ‘Islamic Science Rediscovered’ during its recent showcase in Bangkok which was organized by the National Science Museum – during the 2012 Fair at BITEC.

Also present at the opening were Dr. Plodprasop Suraswadi, Thailand Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Pichai Sonchaeng, President of National Science Museum, Mr. Thanakorn Palachai, Vice President of the National Science Museum and Exhibition creator Ludo Verheyen, CEO of MTE Studios of Dubai U.A.E.

Dr. Pichai Sonchaeng, President from National Science Museum said, “We are delighted with the response, visitors were enthralled and amazed to learn about the achievements and enduring innovations. ‘Sultans of Science’ exhibition reveals to the youths and visitors who are interested in learning about sciences and technologies how the innovations and technologies invented in the Golden age of Islam play an important role in everyday life.”

“The exhibition was a great success at BITEC and we look forward to the grand opening of “Sultans of Science” at National Science Museum soon”, added Sonchaeng.

After the huge success at BITEC which was a soft opening during the “National Science and Technology Fair 2012”,  ‘Sultans of Science’ will open at National Science Museum in Thailand on 11th September to run until mid of November 2012. Currently touring Asia, the exhibition after concluding in Thailand will be hosted in Malaysia at The Petrosains Discovery Science Centre. Making its Asian premiere at the Science Centre Singapore, it has attracted massive response from people of different faiths and religion in the region.

Commenting on the success of the exhibition Ludo Verheyen, CEO, MTE Studios said, “We are honored that our ‘Sultans of Science’ exhibition was hosted at the “National Science and Technology Fair 2012”, nation’s largest exposition on science and technology.” “We are overwhelmed with the enormous success of the exhibition at BITEC where over 1.2 million people visited just in two weeks.

The global travelling exhibition brings one of the world’s most pioneering civilizations to life, an incredible exhibition that boldly underlines the remarkable contributions of Muslim scholars from the Golden Age of Islam (700 – 1700 CE) in science and technology. The display at National Science Museum will surprise the visitors on how thinkers from this era influenced modern medicine, mathematics, astronomy and many more. The dawn of the Islamic Golden Age in the 7th century was profoundly inspired by the instruction to seek and share knowledge.

MTE studios brings this history to life with more than 50 multi-media exhibits highlighting how Muslims worked harmoniously alongside people of different faiths and races across Africa, Asia and Europe. The blockbuster exhibition covers the main fields of Islamic scientific endeavor including architecture, arts, astronomy, engineering, exploration, flight, mathematics, medicine, optics and water control in a beautifully designed on a journey back through time.

‘Sultans of Science’ global tour started with New Jersey and since then, it has enjoyed huge success at various North American venues.

Press release issued on behalf of MTE Studios FZ LLC. For further information, please contact Shereen Shabnam on +971 507690087/504828177/shereen@mtestudios.com

Sultans of Science’ to enter the European market with debut in Oslo

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Children interacting with ‘Sultans of Science’ exhibits at a previous venue

MTE Studios signs contract with Norwegian Science Museum

With its European debut in Oslo, UAE’s global travelling exhibition, ‘Sultans of Science’, enters a new market as MTE Studios signs a six-month leasing contract with The Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology in Norway.

With tremendous success in USA, Canada and Asia, MTE Studios is creating a second version of ‘Sultans of Science’ exhibition to meet the demand of venues interested in hosting it. Currently ‘Sultans of Science’ also known as ‘Islamic Science Rediscovered’, entered the Asian continent and will be concluding at Science Centre Singapore before moving on to Thailand, Malaysia and other venues thereafter.

Unveiling scientific achievements of Muslim civilization to European audiences, ‘Sultans of Science’ Exhibition will amaze visitors with scientific breakthroughs of a remarkable Era. The global travelling exhibition will be showcased for six and half months at The Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology

“We are proud to bring this exhibition to Norway and delighted to unfold the knowledge of a great civilization which will be an engaging and educating experience for our visitors. We are excited to be the first venue in Europe for a prestigious exhibition like ‘Sultans of Science’ and are very confident that it will be well received”, said director Hans Weinberger of The Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology.

“‘Sultans of Science’ has attracted record number of visitors at venues across USA, Canada and Asia and are we overwhelmed with the kind of response it has received. Increasing demand from venues has given rise to the second version of the exhibition and we are proud to sign the first contract with Norwegian Science Museum to be the launch pad for the European Continent,” said Ludo Verheyen, CEO of MTE Studios.

The exhibition will reveal the remarkable achievements of Muslim civilization, which helped, pave the way for modern technologies and inventions. European audiences will be amazed to learn about the significant role the Islamic scholars have played in modern science, from astronomy to medicine to engineering to navigation and optics and how these innovations and discoveries have helped in making mankind’s life easier today.

With over 50 interactive, sensory and static exhibits and giant functional replicas that use cutting-edge technology to recreate the ingenuity of a golden age, the global travelling exhibition has been to various venues including New Jersey, South Africa, Toronto, Edmonton, San Jose and Science Centre Singapore. 

About ‘Sultans of Science’ (‘Islamic Science Rediscovered’):

‘Sultans of Science’ also known as ‘Islamic Science Rediscovered’ is a global touring exhibition celebrating the contribution of Muslim Scholars in Science and Technology during the Golden Age of the Islamic World and the influence their inventions and contributions has towards modern society.

Focused on increasing knowledge and understanding of these invaluable contributions, ‘Sultans of Science’ has been created as a global traveling exhibition in order to enable its message to be far-reaching through science centers and museums around the world.

The content features interactive displays with information on inventions, innovations and discoveries covering a broad spectrum of science topics such as astronomy, mathematics, medicine, optics amongst others, which were ahead of its time.

Contact Shereen Shabnam on +971507690087 if you would like information to visit the exhibition.

Bahrain Science Centre summer workshops

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Children engrossed during a story telling session at the summer workshop at the Bahrain Science Centre

Bahrain Science Centre summer workshops offering a wide range of activities that are concerned with scientific topics have proven to be a huge success amongst the children in the Kingdom. The summer workshops started early this month and over 600 children have already attended the workshops in the first 10 days with more groups registering every day. 

Commenting on the success, Assistant Undersecretary of Community Development Mr. Khalid Ishaq from Bahrain’s Ministry of Social Development said, “The camp is a huge success among children. Keeping children gainfully occupied throughout the summer holidays is a task for every parent and these workshops keep them constructively, educationally and enjoyably occupied.”

From science shows, story-telling, puppet workshops, talk shops, painting, craft to educational games, there’s something for everyone at the Bahrain Science Centre’s interactive workshops. A series of fun-filled games and hands-on activities encourage children to use their brains and to enter a world of imagination. Bahrain Science Centre storytellers bring tales from around the world to life. Entertaining and exciting activities are offered to develop essential life skills for young visitors at the Science Centre, which falls under Bahrain’s Ministry of Social Development.

Summer camp organisers and their groups who attended the workshops at Bahrain Science were amazed. In particular, Ghada Salem, Founder and Managing Director of Mums in Bahrain Society and Aysha Al Ghattan, Principle of Good Seeds Summer Camp, Al Eslah society were excited and overjoyed bringing their children to the centre to experience hands-on learning activities while enjoying the summer workshops.

Currently operated and managed by MTE Studios, the Bahrain Science Centre is the first of its kind in the country and all the displays are designed to be educational. Schools in Bahrain started exploring the new Bahrain Science Centre by appointments only prior to its official launch with great success since its opened doors late March 2012. School and Summer Holiday groups are still being formally invited until the Bahrain Science Centre opens officially to children as well as families and adults later this year.

The Bahrain Science Centre is located in building 334, Road 109, Block 801, Riyadh Avenue, Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain and can be contacted on 136 846 86.

About Bahrain Science Centre (BSC):
The Bahrain Science Centre (BSC) is an interactive educational facility that targets children, youth and families of Bahrain. It is located in building 334, Road 109, Block 801, Riyadh Avenue, Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain. The science centre has six interactive exhibition galleries, an auditorium, four laboratories and a café/shop.

The role of the BSC is to promote awareness of the importance of science and technology, complement the school curriculum, stimulate curiosity and innovation, and create a forum for public debate on science and technology issues. The topics covered by current exhibitions include junior engineering, human health, the five senses, earth sciences and biodiversity.

Focusing on hands-on learning using interactive displays and people-centred programmes, such as science shows, Bahrain Science Centre also strongly promotes creativity and innovation as well as cross-generational learning. The science centre will also endeavour to promote an awareness of Bahrain’s contributions to science and technology and a strong Bahraini identity. It is an ideal family edutainment destination.

Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore opens Sultans of Science

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Opening of Sultans of Science

Singapore Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance and Minister for Manpower, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam opened the ‘Sultans of Science’ exhibition at the Science Centre Singapore yesterday (16th April 2012). Featuring contributions of Muslim Scholars in science and technology, the global traveling exhibition makes its Asian premier in Singapore.

‘Sultans of Science’ Asian tour debuts in Singapore

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Children interacting and being hands on with exhibits in Sultans of Science

Asia to discover scientific achievements of Muslim Civilization

The Asian tour of ‘Sultans of Science’, which is MTE Studios, global traveling exhibition will debut in Singapore mid April. Currently ending the first leg of the North American tour, the UAE travelling exhibition will visit Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia beginning in the second quarter of 2012.

Following successful residencies in New Jersey, South Africa, Toronto, Edmonton and San Jose, Science Centre Singapore will be the first Asian venue to host the iconic exhibition also known as ‘Islamic Science Rediscovered’. It will go on to visit National Science Museum in Thailand; Petrosains, The Discovery Centre in Malaysia and other venues across the continent.

As a leading Science Centre promoting science and technology in the region, Science Centre Singapore will reveal scientific achievements of the Muslim Civilisation to students and the community with the opening of ‘Sultans of Science’ exhibition in mid April 2012 for a three-month run. The exhibition explores scientific breakthroughs of a remarkable era, which was one of the greatest in the world.

History text books refer to events when Europe slumbered in a period which is commonly known as the Dark Ages, but few people are aware of the tremendous contributions Muslim scholars made in science and technology during the Golden Age of the Islam (7th – 17th Centuries) which helped pave the way for the European Renaissance.

This civilization thrived on seeking knowledge and led to inventions, innovations, discoveries and prosperity. Its mathematicians invented algebra and algorithms that enabled the development of computers. Its doctors discovered the pulmonary heart circulation, undertook operations with surgical instruments very similar to modern surgical instruments and established efficient public hospitals. Its astronomers observed the heavens, developed astronomical tools to calculate their position on earth and paved the way for satellites and travel in space. Its engineers such as Al-Jazari and Banu Musa brothers laid the foundation of modern engineering and developed ingenious devices such as the first robot.

“This interactive exhibition invites visitors to explore the main fields of Muslim achievements, from mathematics to navigation, astronomy, medicine, instrument making, fine utilitarian technology, engineering, optics, architecture and flight. It will engage people of all ages and backgrounds in experiences that educate, inform, provoke thought, inspire action and understanding across cultures,” said CEO, Ludo Verheyen from MTE Studios.

The Asian venues are excited to showcase this significant exhibition, which has received record number of visitors since its launch and believe in a successful Asian tour allowing visitors to discover and understand how a great civilization created prosperity across large areas from Spain to China. The host venues are delighted and believe that visitors will be fascinated to see numerous inventions brought to life through a diverse range of over 50 interactive, sensory and static exhibits and giant functional replicas that use cutting-edge technology to recreate the ingenuity of a golden age.

Bahrain to host the Second Expo Sciences Asia 2012

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Bahrain Science Centre collaborates with MILSET to promote science culture in Expo

 The Kingdom of Bahrain is hosting the Second Expo Sciences Asia until 12 April 2012 at Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre (BIECC). Organized by Bahrain’s Ministry of Human Rights and Social Development and MILSET Asia, the international event will have a variety of activities including cultural and scientific visits; leisure activities; exhibition of projects and workshops.

Held every two years, Expo Sciences Asia aims to promote scientific projects created by children and young people around the Asian region through an exhibition in a multi-cultural environment, also allowing the participation of institutions that want to assist young people in their projects. The First Expo Sciences Asia was held in Kuwait in April 2010.

Contributing to scientific culture, non-formal science education and awareness programmes in the region, Bahrain Science Centre which falls under the Ministry of Human Rights and Social Development plays a leading role in bringing this event to Bahrain. Assistant Undersecretary of Community Development Mr. Khalid Ishaq from Bahrain’s Ministry of Human Rights and Social Development is the member of MILSET Asia board.

Commenting on the event Mr. Ishaq said, “MILSET gives a platform for young people to exchange ideas and make most of their creations; discuss with researchers, youth leaders and industrialists. Bahrain Ministry of Human Rights and Social Development’s collaboration with MILSET is another initiative in the development of scientific and technical education in the Kingdom.”

Promoting awareness of the importance of science and technology, a group of young scientists headed by Mrs. Amal Albuflasa, from the new state-of-the-art Bahrain Science Centre (BSC) will showcase their project at the exhibition. Focusing on hands-on learning using interactive displays and people-centred programmes, such as science shows, Bahrain Science Centre strongly encourages creativity and innovation as well as cross-generational learning. The science centre also endeavours to create an awareness of Bahrain’s contributions to science and technology.

Commenting of their participation Mrs. Albuflasa said, “Children can learn science and should have the opportunity to become scientifically literate. In order for this learning to happen, the effort to introduce children to the essential experiences of science inquiry and explorations must begin at an early age.” “Our participation at Second Expo Sciences Asia 2012 gives this platform to children where they learn the process of finding out and a system for organizing and reporting discoveries and a way of thinking and trying to understand the world”, added Albuflasa.

Bahrain Science Centre is an interactive educational facility that targets children, youth and families of Bahrain. It is located in a three-storey building at 697 Riyadh Avenue, Isa Town, near the Manama/Salmabad intersection. The science centre has six interactive exhibition galleries, an auditorium, four laboratories and a café/shop. The role of the Bahrain Science Centre is to promote awareness of the importance of science and technology, complement the school curriculum, stimulate curiosity and innovation, and create a forum for public debate on science and technology issues.

Exciting new science centre to be launched in Bahrain

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Children interacting at the new state-of-the-art Bahrain Science Centre

Bahrain’s Ministry of Human Rights and Social Development has appointed MTE Studios to run operations of the Bahrain Science Centre which is slated to open soon to public. Experts in Science Centre and Museums operations and management, the company has been awarded a two year contract for Commissioning and Operating the new state-of-the-art Bahrain Science Center (BSC). According to the Minister of Human Rights and Social Development, Fatima Al Beloushi, the science centre will fall under the Directorate of Family and Childhood Development in her Ministry, and will contribute to formal and non-formal science education and awareness programmes in Bahrain. Khalid Ishaq, Assistant Undersecretary of Community Development of Bahrain’s Ministry of Human Rights and Social Development said, “Importance of science centres to the community and education is undebatable. Our aim is to strengthen the science and technology culture of Bahrain by engaging young people, and their families, in activities that excite their interest in science, technology and engineering.” The Ministry has awarded a two-year contract to MTE Studios to develop the science centre. MTE Studios is a consultancy company that specializes in the conceptualization, design, development and operation of science centres, museums, visitor centres and other edutainment destinations. One of their most recent projects was the development of the Museum of Science and Technology in Islam at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia. Commenting on the appointment, Ishaq said, “We are excited to open the centre soon and collaborate with MTE Studios, whom we have identified as an experienced and valuable partner for our new Science Centre. We are confident that their extensive experience in operating Science Centre’s will help us achieve our goal in the accomplishment of social cohesion and attract the young generation towards science education and research. We look forward to the launch and success of the new centre.” “We are delighted to be awarded this contract as we believe that a science centre will contribute strongly to the Ministry’s social development programmes”, says the CEO of MTE Studios, Ludo Verheyen. “It has been shown worldwide that science centres are one of the most effective ways of bringing science and technology into the mainstream of society and strengthening a country’s science culture”, added Verheyen. Over 2 500 interactive science centres have been established in more than 90 countries worldwide, and they receive over 310 million visitors per year. Globally, science centres and interactive museums have taken the lead in hands-on, inquiry-based learning, and have achieved a high trust rate for the accuracy of the information that they convey. The Bahrain Science Centre will be an active participant in this worldwide community of science centres. “Science centres play many important roles in society”, says Professor Mike Bruton, Director of Imagineering at MTE Studios and the Consultant Director of the new Science Centre. “These roles include promoting awareness of science and technology among the youth, families and adults, supporting the school curriculum in science, mathematics and technology, and creating a forum for public debate on topical science and technology issues.” School Groups will be formally invited to the Bahrain Science Centre from middle of April onwards. The target audience of the Bahrain Science Centre will be children as well as families and adults, and one of its most important roles will be to promote cross-generational learning between children and their parents and grandparents. The science centre will also endeavour to promote social engagement across different cultures as well as an ethos of lifelong learning.

6th Science Centre World Congress attracted more than 400 delegates from 56 countries including the Middle East

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The 6th Science Centre World Congress recently held in Cape Town South Africa concluded successfully attracting more than 400 delegates from 56 different countries including UAE, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The Congress chaired by MTE Studios, Director of Imagineering Professor Mike Bruton was hosted by the Cape Town Science Centre; the Southern African Association of Science and Technology Centres; and the North Africa and Middle East Science Centers Network.

With the theme ‘Science across Cultures’, the Congress comprised 5 plenary sessions, 55 concurrent sessions, as well as poster sessions, workshops, science cafés, demonstrations, talk shops, commercial and NGO displays, and visits to local cultural institutions. Ludo Verheyen, CEO, MTE Studios and Professor Bruton were part of the concurrent sessions addressing science centre and museum professionals from around the world at the Congress where the consultancy firm also had its presence at the exhibition running parallel to the event. MTE Studios was also a major corporate sponsor and contributed significantly to the success of the Congress.

“We are proud to be associated with such a high profile event which provided a comprehensive overview of strategic thinking in the science centre community,” said Ludo Verheyen, CEO, MTE Studios. “Our Imagineering Director, Professor Bruton chaired the Congress which was a perfect platform for delegates to meet from all corners of the globe to discuss issues facing science centres and the important role that science centres can play in increasing public engagement in science and technology. We are delighted to learn that Professor Bruton has been invited to serve on the international organizing committee for the 7th Science Centre World Congress to be held in 2014.”

The 6SCWC was widely acclaimed to be the best Science Centre World Congress held so far. Science Centre World Congresses are held every three years. The last event was convened in Ontario Canada (5SCWC); the 7SCWC will be in the form of a Summit and will be held in Belgium in 2014.  This year’s event continued the dialogue from previous world gatherings assessing the impact of science centres worldwide and formulating plans to ensure that they continue to play a constructive role in addressing global issues at the interface between science and society.

Highlighting the importance of events like the Congress, Professor Bruton said, “Globally, science centres and interactive museums have taken the lead in hands-on, inquiry-based learning, and have achieved a high trust rate for the accuracy of the information that they communicate. They focus on promoting dialogue and debate while learning, and on deriving explanations, rather than just providing answers, for important scientific discoveries and phenomena. They endeavour to promote social engagement across generations and cultures as well as an ethos of lifelong learning.”

“Each year, over 310 million people actively participate in the in-house and outreach science engagement programmes organized by over 2500 science centres in more than 90 countries and administrative regions. These science centres recognize that the three pillars of interactive science engagement are science knowledge, hands-on interaction, and dialogue and the co-creation of experiences with scientists and the public. Thus there is a need for improved dialogue between scientists and the public during the course of the scientific process that leads to societal change. I am honored and excited to be invited to be on the International Programme Committee for the upcoming 7SCWC,” concluded Bruton.

At the 6th Science Centre World Congress, leaders of science centres and museums worldwide resolved to:

•Encourage the establishment of science centres and museums in parts of the world where they are lacking.

•Support a policy of investment in science, technology and innovation in response to global economic and financial challenges.

•Partner with formal education, arts, business, policy makers and media where relevant.

•Strive to address cross-generational science- and technology-related problems that are relevant to local, regional and global communities, and to develop programmes that allow the general public to contribute actively to the resolution of these problems.

•Continue to develop programmes that promote awareness of the multi-cultural roots of science and the value of indigenous knowledge systems.

•Continue to develop partnerships to promote science awareness and engagement across cultural, political, economic and geographical boundaries.

•Conduct further research that measures the efficiency and effectiveness of their programmes, and to act on this information in order to improve their efficiency and impact.

•Further promote dialogue between scientists and the general public so that public opinions on science and technology can be heard and incorporated into decision-making processes.

•Further promote creativity, invention and innovation that leads to more sustainable life styles.

•Work together to ensure that they share their joint experience and knowledge of the most effective methods of engaging with science and technology with other local, regional, national and international bodies that promote science and technology awareness.

Plans to achieve these resolutions will be developed, as appropriate, at institutional, national and international levels. At the 2014 Science Centre World Summit, to be held at Technopolis in Mechelen, Belgium, in 2014, science centres and museums shall assess the extent to which they have, as individual institutions and collectively, achieved the goals set out here.

For further information, please contact Shereen Shabnam on +971 507690087

MTE Studios, Professor Mike Bruton to Chair the 6th Science Centre World Congress

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Over 380 delegates from more than 60 countries including UAE, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia to attend the Congress

Dubai and Cape Town based MTE Studios, a consultancy firm specializing in themed architecture and interactive exhibitions, well known for their turnkey themed projects and world-class installations in science centres and museum galleries worldwide, is honored to announce that their Director of Imagineering, Professor Mike Bruton, will chair the upcoming 6th Science Centre World Congress to be held in Cape Town, South Africa from September 4 to 8, 2011.

Ludo Verheyen, CEO, MTE Studios and Professor Bruton will be part of the concurrent sessions addressing science centre and museum professionals from around the world at the Congress where the consultancy firm will also have a team available at the exhibition running parallel to the Congress.

“The Science Centre World Congress is held every three years in a different continent. It is the main gathering of science centre professionals in the world and has three main goals: to assess the status of science centres worldwide and plot the way forward, to facilitate strategic discussions on new challenges and opportunities for science centres, and to promote the growth of science centres in the region in which the World Congress is being held. The 6th Science Centre World Congress in Cape Town, South Africa, will be attended by over 380 delegates from more than 60 countries, including delegates from the UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and various Muslim countries in North Africa. In addition, a three-day Capacity Building Workshop will be held before the main Congress to develop the skills of science centre professionals in Africa and the Middle East. MTE Studios is delighted to be a supporter of this exciting and inspiring event.” said Professor Bruton.

Recognized as one of the world’s leading museum and science centre professionals, Professor Bruton, along with his peers, will explore the relevance of the concept of the third paradigm museum, highlight the importance of building communities through science, investigate the role of science centres in the present environment, and discuss whether the science centre movement is colonialist. Ludo Verheyen with fellow delegates will highlight the opportunities created by acknowledging the multi-cultural roots of science and technology at the sessions.

“We’re honored that our Imagineering Director, Professor Bruton will be chairing one of the most prestigious events, a gathering that directs strategic planning for the worldwide science centre movement. It is a perfect platform for delegates to meet from all corners of the globe to discuss issues facing science centres and the important role that science centres can play in increasing public engagement in science and technology,” said Verheyen.

With the theme “Science Across Cultures”, the 6th Science Centre World Congress will encourage reconciliation between different cultures and a greater appreciation of the role that science centres can play in highlighting each culture’s unique contributions to science, technology and science education. In the plenary sessions, an international range of speakers will challenge the status quo and propose challenging new ideas. Sixty concurrent sessions on a range of challenging and inspiring topics will provide a comprehensive overview of strategic thinking in the science centre community today.

MTE Studios, creators of the ‘1000 Years of Knowledge Rediscovered’ permanent exhibition on display in the Ibn Battuta Mall in Dubai have also played a major role in the design, manufacture and installation of numerous interactive exhibits at the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, Turkey, and recently delivered a turnkey science museum for the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia. The company is also known worldwide for their global travelling exhibition, ‘Sultans of Science’, celebrating the contributions of Muslim scholars in science and technology during the Golden Age of the Islamic World.

The exhibition has been showcased at the MTN Sciencentre in Cape Town, South Africa; the Liberty Science Center in New Jersey, USA; Ontario Science Centre in Canada and The TELUS World Of Science in Edmonton, Canada. Due to popular demand, the exhibition will soon be hosted at The Tech Museum in the United States. In addition to the design of galleries and the development, design, prototyping and manufacture of exhibitions, MTE Studios also offers operational planning and training for science centres and museums.

– ENDS –