Hosted by Ontario Science Center, from 15 to 20 June 2008, the 5SCWC theme “Science Centres as Agents of Change – Locally, Nationally, and Internationally” addresses the role science centres play to inspire and actively engage people in new ways of seeing, understanding, and thinking about themselves in a world increasingly defined by rapid globalization and technological change.

Science centres already bring science to the public, and influence the level of science dialogue in society. By going further, by involving visitors directly in the process of science – tackling real world issues, gathering scientific data, interacting with leading scientists and researchers, engaging in trial-and-error experimentation, and much more – science centres can spark curiosity, nurture interest in the wonders of science, and in the process, grow the next generation of science-confident citizens. In effect, science centres can become agents of change by helping to develop a population capable of making informed decisions regarding their personal well-being and that of the planet.

While the challenges of reinforcing relevancy and legitimacy and overcoming barriers, discussed at previous Congresses, are already strong motivators for action, the character of the challenge to make a difference locally, nationally and internationally creates even more powerful incentives to exploit the unique forum the SCWC offers.

In October 2005, the 5SCWC International Program Committee (IPC) endorsed three main strands for dialogue. These sub-themes emerged from consultation within the participating regions. In the year prior to the 5SCWC, each regional conference is asked to engage their members in discussions on these sub-themes. Ultimately, a declaration of emerging trends in the field will be released publicly during the 5SCWC, including one or more ‘resolutions’ for future action to be communicated at the end of the Congress.

The 5SCWC will emphasize the following cross-cutting sub-themes which:

• Fit the conference theme of science centres as agents of change
• Are capable of inspiring future action
• Have relevance around the world
• Will inspire program proposals and the selection of keynote speakers
• Will help position science centres as having an important role in the world of science communication and global issues