The director of the UQAM Science Center, Stéphan Chaix, shared an anecdote about a regular attendee expressing how at home they feel at the center. The center, celebrating its 20th anniversary, hosts over 70,000 people annually at various events to promote scientific culture.
The establishment of the center can be traced back to events in 2006 featuring lectures by experts like Pierre-Henri Gouyon and Hubert Reeves. Over the years, the center has expanded its activities beyond lectures to include school programs and guided tours, attracting a diverse audience.
Under the leadership of founder Sophie Malavoy, the center’s mission of promoting scientific communication and knowledge sharing has remained consistent. The center’s unique freedom in content delivery has contributed to its success in engaging the public.
In addition to public events, the center places a strong emphasis on educational programs, offering interactive conferences and guided activities for students. The recent shift towards digital offerings during the COVID-19 pandemic has allowed the center to reach a wider audience across Quebec.
Despite the rise of online science communication platforms, the UQAM Science Center continues to attract a significant physical audience for its events. The center’s focus on inclusivity and engagement with the public remains a key aspect of its success.
Overall, the center’s commitment to expanding its outreach, including collaborations with experts from different fields, has resonated well with the audience. The positive feedback and support from both speakers and attendees reinforce the center’s role as a hub for scientific knowledge sharing.
