Changing Role Of Science Centers in Developing Countries

By Dr. Narender K. Sehgal

The social and economic development of a country is closely linked with the understanding and application of science and technology by its people. It is hence imperative that we comprehend and understand the impact of scientific and technological advances that have shaped our lives in the past few decades.

In this respect, science centers and museums play a vital role in communicating basic scientific information to the people and help them make informed choices. Further, science centers and museums act as an interface between the general public and the scientific community. Indeed, science centers and museums are powerful tools for social change and for developing a scientific outlook among the people.

Moreover, science centers and museums are very important in discovering and exploring ideas and also in helping to forge a strong relationship between science and society. Such assertive links are imperative because though science and technology can offer many benefits to the society and to the economy, these benefits can only be realized with the support of the public. The role of museums in society has also expanded as they are not merely concerned with the procurement, care, study and display of objects but also are the information centers for understanding our world, raising public awareness of current research and stimulating an interest in science among people. These can also help in encouraging more people from ethnic minorities into science.

This challenge is extremely important one if we are to realize the benefits of science. It will unable us to exchange ideas and forge new partnerships, and make a critical difference in this important dimension of our national lives. In order to fully comprehend the unprecedented growth in various fields of science and technology and their impact on the socio-economic progress particularly in an emerging economy, the role of science centers and museums is vital because of visual impression aids in the process of quickly grasping various facets of the new knowledge.

(ResearchSEA)