iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Association of Science and Technology Centers @sciencecenters.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

What's in store: 100+ sessions on the most pressing topics for the science museum field Keynotes from futurist Sheryl Connelly & AI expert Vivienne Ming 12+ Extended Sessions & Offsite Expeditions Exhibit hall + networking events

000

Association of Science and Technology Centers @sciencecenters.bsky.social · 23/05/2025

Yong is also the bestselling author of I Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within Us, a groundbreaking, informative, and entertaining examination of the relationship between animals and microbes.

100

Association of Science and Technology Centers @sciencecenters.bsky.social · 23/05/2025

In birdwatching, Yong found a much deeper connection to the natural world. He tells that story in An Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us.

100

Association of Science and Technology Centers @sciencecenters.bsky.social · 23/05/2025

After years of pandemic reporting left him burnt out, Yong turned to a new hobby—birdwatching—to help him heal and reconnect with his original beat of nature writing.

100

Association of Science and Technology Centers @sciencecenters.bsky.social · 07/05/2025

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed thoughtful questions. We welcome your reflections on these findings and how they might inform your organization's work.

000

Association of Science and Technology Centers @sciencecenters.bsky.social · 07/05/2025

The findings suggest an urgent need for science engagement community to strengthen public awareness about connections between policy changes and science used for everyday decision making, while strengthening + expanding opportunities for public to engage with scientific community and institutions.

100

Association of Science and Technology Centers @sciencecenters.bsky.social · 06/05/2025

@npr.org shares the results of a new ASTC survey that showed that while >90% of U.S. adults use scientific information for everyday decision-making, only 10% say that cuts to federal support for science, which could impact their access to such data, is a top concern. www.npr.org/2025/05/06/n...

npr.org

Most Americans use federal science information on a weekly basis, a new poll finds

Most Americans frequently use federal science information. But few are concerned that cuts to federal science spending could affect their access to such information, a new poll finds.

110

Association of Science and Technology Centers @sciencecenters.bsky.social · 05/05/2025

These new data come from a nationally representative survey of 1,017 U.S. adults administered April 4–6 designed to gauge current attitudes toward scientific institutions and understanding of ongoing changes in federal science policy.

100

Association of Science and Technology Centers @sciencecenters.bsky.social · 05/05/2025

Join us for a briefing tomorrow, May 6, at 3 pm ET to learn about new data from ASTC which reveal that while adults in the U.S. value science in their daily lives, many don't recognize the critical link between federal investments and the information they rely on. www.astc.org/conference-e...

astc.org

New ASTC Survey Shows Disconnect Between Public Support for Science and Federal Policy Impact - Association of Science and Technology Centers

A recent ASTC national survey finds 72% of U.S. adults believe science benefits them and 89% view federal STEM investment as important for economic prosperity. It is unclear the extent to which they a...

100

Association of Science and Technology Centers @sciencecenters.bsky.social · 05/05/2025

Please carve out a few minutes to submit for consideration by the ASTC Awards Committee to be honored at #ASTC2025 this September.

010

Association of Science and Technology Centers @sciencecenters.bsky.social · 05/05/2025

TODAY is the last day to submit nominations for ASTC’s Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Awards. Do you have an inspiring example of how organizations and individuals have enhanced the performance of their organizations or advanced our field? www.astc.org/awards

astc.org

Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Awards - Association of Science and Technology Centers

The Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Awards are presented to ASTC members and/or their staff and volunteers in recognition of extraordinary accomplishments. Honorees not only enhance the performance of thei...

110

Association of Science and Technology Centers @sciencecenters.bsky.social · 01/05/2025

This insight presents an urgent opportunity to explore new approaches to science engagement that can better illuminate these connections. Join us Tuesday, May 6 at 3:00 PM ET for a briefing on these findings and their implications for public science engagement. www.astc.org/conference-e...

astc.org

New ASTC Survey Shows Disconnect Between Public Support for Science and Federal Policy Impact - Association of Science and Technology Centers

000

Association of Science and Technology Centers @sciencecenters.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

Thanks to those who have already submitted nominations for ASTC’s Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Awards. If you haven’t done so yet, there’s still time to lift up achievements that exemplify the best of our field. Nominations close on Monday, May 5, 2025. www.astc.org/awards

astc.org

Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Awards - Association of Science and Technology Centers

010

Association of Science and Technology Centers @sciencecenters.bsky.social · 10/04/2025

Nominations are open for ASTC’s Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Awards. During these uncertain times, it’s important to celebrate achievements in our field—so we look forward to receiving nominations that will inspire and uplift us with reminders about the importance of our work. www.astc.org/awards

astc.org

Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Awards - Association of Science and Technology Centers

000

Association of Science and Technology Centers @sciencecenters.bsky.social · 01/04/2025

The center’s President and CEO explained that “There's no more organic way of feeling patriotic and learning about your country than by excelling in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. That builds a tremendous sense of pride, and it really develops leaders for the future.”

000

Association of Science and Technology Centers @sciencecenters.bsky.social · 01/04/2025

The potential loss of awarded grant funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services would hurt the ability of Discovery Center at Murfree Spring to serve students and educators across Tennessee, especially in rural areas. www.newschannel5.com/news/federal...

newschannel5.com

Federal cuts threaten funding for learning opportunities in Tennessee

An executive order could dismantle vital funding for libraries and museums across the country, including Tennessee. A local museum director says this could impact children's education in rural areas.

100

Association of Science and Technology Centers @sciencecenters.bsky.social · 01/04/2025

Kudos to Nene Spivy, Rich Conti and their teams for an inspiring kick-off and an amazing partnership; we can’t wait to visit this world-class institution when it opens in a couple of years.

000

Association of Science and Technology Centers @sciencecenters.bsky.social · 01/04/2025

The new 70,000 sq ft science center outside of Washington, D.C., is being developed by a public-private partnership including the Children’s Science Center, Science Museum of Virginia, and Loudoun County and with strong support from the community, local businesses, and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

100

Association of Science and Technology Centers @sciencecenters.bsky.social · 01/04/2025

ASTC was honored to celebrate the groundbreaking for the Northern Virginia Science Center yesterday morning in the Kincora community of Loudoun County, Virginia.

Photo of the program from the Construction Launch Party at Northern Virginia Science Center

Photo of the crowd at the site of the Northern Virginia Science Center

Local leaders with Nene Spivy, President and CEO of the Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation, at center (in light blue)

100

Association of Science and Technology Centers @sciencecenters.bsky.social · 31/03/2025

ASTC is working with our partners to emphasize the importance of IMLS and federal support for museums and libraries. Make sure your elected officials know about the impact of federal funds for museums in your community and stay tuned for additional steps you can take.

061

Association of Science and Technology Centers @sciencecenters.bsky.social · 31/03/2025

Without staff, there are significant questions on how IMLS can carry out its statutory responsibilities and great uncertainty about the future of community programs supported by the agency. Museums and libraries are being left in the lurch.

1176

Association of Science and Technology Centers @sciencecenters.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

The Government of Canada and Science North have announced an of up to $20M to build a new net-zero science centre in Thunder Bay. Expected to reach 67,500 people annually, the new centre will offer high-quality cultural, recreational, and science-based experiences. www.canada.ca/en/housing-i...

canada.ca

Government of Canada commits up to $20 million to support community infrastructure in Thunder Bay - Canada.ca

Today Minister Patty Hajdu, Ashley Larose, Chief Executive Officer of Science North, and James Lundrigan, Chair of the Board of Trustees for Science North, announced a federal investment of up to $20 ...

020

Association of Science and Technology Centers @sciencecenters.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

Through our partnership, we’ll be making signage and communications materials available for science centers and museums, and we’ll host cohorts that provide peer-coaching, consultation, and funding for organizations who want to create or expand programs that use @inaturalist.bsky.social.

000

Association of Science and Technology Centers @sciencecenters.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

@inaturalist.bsky.social connects people to nature and each other through its free mobile apps and website that allow people to share their encounters with biodiversity and crowdsource species identifications.

100

Association of Science and Technology Centers @sciencecenters.bsky.social · 17/03/2025

3️⃣ Ask your governor and other state leaders to send the message to your state’s Congressional delegation that IMLS and the funds it administers are critical to your state and community. 4/5

110

Association of Science and Technology Centers @sciencecenters.bsky.social · 17/03/2025

2️⃣ Tell your elected officials about the importance of IMLS continuing to operate as a Congressional authorized independent agency at its current scope and appropriate budget. 3/5

110

Association of Science and Technology Centers @sciencecenters.bsky.social · 17/03/2025

🚨 NOW is the time to reach out to you Senators, Representatives, and state leaders: 1️⃣ Share your story about how IMLS funding has supported your work, your museum, and your community. 2/5

100

Association of Science and Technology Centers @sciencecenters.bsky.social · 16/03/2025

Three ASTC members have had spaces named to TIME magazine’s list of The World’s Greatest Places of 2025. We can’t wait to visit! Corning Museum of Glass for The Studio Lowell Observatory for the Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center @nhm.org for NHM Commons www.astc.org/astc-dimensi...

astc.org

ASTC members named to TIME's list of world's greatest places of 2025 - Association of Science and Technology Centers

Several ASTC members have had locations named TIME magazine’s list of “The World’s Greatest Places for 2025.” The list was compiled by TIME‘s editors from nominations submitted by the magazine’s inter...

010

Association of Science and Technology Centers @sciencecenters.bsky.social · 14/03/2025

Thank you also to MIDE and Papalote for welcoming us and sharing more about the amazing work you do. Over the next several months ASTC members and partners will have multiple opportunities to provide data and input to help shape the future strategy of our association. We look forward to your ideas!

000

Association of Science and Technology Centers @sciencecenters.bsky.social · 14/03/2025

This week, the ASTC Board of Directors met to discuss the needs and opportunities for our field and begin mapping out our next 3-year strategy to meet this moment. Thank you to board member the team at Universum for hosting us in Mexico City for these critical conversations.

100

Association of Science and Technology Centers @sciencecenters.bsky.social · 14/03/2025

Wishing everyone a Happy #PiDay 2025! This annual event, which got its start at the @exploratorium.bsky.social in 1988, is also ASTC’s 52nd birthday. Looking forward to celebrating all things math!

000

Association of Science and Technology Centers @sciencecenters.bsky.social · 13/03/2025

The American Alliance of Museums is hosting a free webinar TODAY at 2:00 p.m. ET on “Censorship and Self-censorship in Museums.” The conversation will examine recent incidents, the forces driving them, and the implications for artistic and curatorial freedom. www.aam-us.org/event/censor...

aam-us.org

Censorship and Self-censorship in Museums

As political, social, and security pressures mount, museums face increasing challenges in curating exhibitions, developing educational programs, and presenting content. From controversial artwork r…

141

Association of Science and Technology Centers @sciencecenters.bsky.social · 12/03/2025

Now in its 84th year, this annual competition—presented by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Society for Science—honors young innovators and scientists for pushing the boundaries of discovery and addressing today’s pressing challenges.

000