An event by Shaping Interfaces Between Science and the Public x NEMO Science Museum
Science communication has traditionally focused on explaining scientific findings to the public. But acquiring new insights is just one of many experiences that can spark people's interest in a topic. NEMO Science Museum has been developing a methodology for thinking about science communication as a broad range of experiences that can be designed. We based this so-called Taxonomy of Visitor Experiences on the six strands of learning, which is a synthesis of research on informal learning in the natural sciences. We have since translated this framework to other science domains (and even art), and it is now applied by NEMO in the development of most of its activities, exhibitions, school materials, and other public events.
During this workshop, we first provide an introduction to science learning in informal contexts. We discuss the shift from science communication to visitor (or public) experiences and introduce the Taxonomy of Visitor Experiences with examples also on the floor in NEMO. The largest part of the afternoon is dedicated to working in small groups on topics familiar to participants, designing a broad range of visitor experiences. The aim is to offer new perspectives on designing interfaces between science and the public.
13:15 Walk-in
13:30 Start programme (introduction, visit expo, assignment, reflection)
Theoretical introduction of the methodology and its scientific background
Hands-on design in small groups
Discussion of results, gaining experiences from others
17:00 End
Prof. Maartje Raijmakers studied philosophy at the University of Amsterdam and obtained her PhD in psychology. She is appointed at the Department of Psychology at the University of Amsterdam and had for 15 years a special appointment as a professor at NEMO Science Museum and as a professor of educational sciences and is affiliated with IAS. Her research focuses on perception and development, science education, and interest and curiosity. In 2022, she launched the University Master’s in Primary Education (EMPO), a university teacher training program to approach leaning and complex issues in the primary school context from an academic perspective.
Dr Rooske Franse is a senior education project manager in Museum Affairs at NEMO Science Museum, where she has worked since 1997. She studied chemistry and obtained a PhD in psychology at the University of Amsterdam, researching everyday science learning. She remains a guest researcher in Psychology. As a scientist-practitioner, her work focuses on informal science learning and translating research into museum programmes and resources for professionals, including Leren in NEMO (2026) and Reizen door het landschap van informeel leren (2012). In 2025–2026, she was seconded as an adviser to the Nationaal Expertisecentrum Wetenschap en Samenleving (NEWS), bringing museum expertise into the broader field of science communication.