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The Scienscope, edutainment and science promotion

 

The Scienscope's Mission: Promoting Science for All

The Scienscope's mission is to promote science for the benefit of all. This mission aligns with one of the core objectives of the AV¶ÌÊÓƵ (UNIGE): to serve society by providing the public with access to scientific knowledge in a spirit of openness and sharing. The goal is not only to popularize science but also to foster an understanding of the major challenges facing the contemporary world. Scienscope acts as a bridge between researchers, young people, and the general public, encouraging collective reflection on the role and place of science in today’s society.

Mission and Objectives

Scienscope’s primary activity is hosting school groups, mainly from primary and secondary education, in its scientific outreach spaces. Over the past academic year, more than 25,000 students participated in these visits, which allow them to explore and better understand the scientific world through hands-on experiments and interactive demonstrations. These activities aim to spark interest and curiosity in science, helping young people tackle complex topics such as climate issues, health, and technology while discovering scientific methods as tools for solving problems. This approach enables them to develop a critical and informed perspective on the world around them.

Aligned with this mission, Scienscope also seeks to enhance public understanding of debates and uncertainties surrounding the production of scientific knowledge. The public often perceives science as a static discipline, whereas it is in fact a dynamic, ever-evolving process. It is therefore crucial to raise awareness among younger generations that science is inherently subject to questioning, and that these debates are an integral part of the discovery process.

Additionally, the proposed activities provide insight into scientific practices in everyday life while unveiling the realities of a researcher's profession. Through these encounters, students are encouraged to envision themselves in the scientific world, understand the motivations of researchers, and consider scientific vocations for their own futures. A longstanding ambition of Scienscope is to inspire some young people to pursue studies in scientific fields, thereby contributing to future advancements in research.

Currently, Scienscope is composed of ten scientific disciplines (Anthroposcope, Astroscope, Bioscope, Chimiscope, Enviroscope, Infoscope, Lifescope, Mathscope, Pharmascope, Physiscope), primarily stemming from the Faculty of Science and driven by its sections. Scienscope’s operations are also supported by the valuable contributions of the Faculty of Medicine and the Centre Universitaire d'Informatique, which enhance and complement its activities. This disciplinary diversity enables the offering of a wide range of activities, covering topics related to biology, mathematics, and computer science.

Values

Scienscope is founded on strong values that lie at the heart of its operations and activities. Among these, sharing holds a central place. Dialogue with the public, critical exchanges, and listening to societal concerns help enrich the content and address participants' expectations. Scienscope also advocates for the transmission of knowledge. The knowledge it shares is validated by the scientific community, distinguishing it from individual opinions, political debates, or philosophical discussions. This ensures a neutral and objective approach based on verified facts rather than beliefs.

The quality of its activities is another priority. Each mediator is trained to guide school groups under the best possible conditions. This commitment to quality is also reflected in the educational content, which is updated regularly to reflect the latest scientific advancements and current topics.

Scienscope is equally committed to respecting the physical and moral integrity of its participants, ensuring their safety during workshops and events. Respect for individuals and tolerance are fundamental principles. This approach includes a strong focus on inclusivity, integrating social, cultural, and gender minorities into its activities.

Target Audiences

Scienscope primarily caters to two distinct audiences: primary and secondary school students, and the general public. For students, Scienscope offers a diverse program of workshops held in various spaces dedicated to scientific outreach. These include the Sciences 2 building on UNIGE’s campus, the Observatory in Versoix, which hosts astronomy activities, and the Maison de l’Enfance et de l’Adolescence.

In parallel, Scienscope organizes specific activities for the general public, particularly during events such as conferences or exhibitions. These events are open to all, providing an opportunity to share scientific knowledge in an entertaining and accessible way for families or curious enthusiasts.

Educational Tools and Actions

In addition to visits and workshops in its outreach spaces, Scienscope has developed a series of educational tools designed to facilitate the teaching of science in schools. Among these are the BiOutils Kits, used by more than 13,000 students across French-speaking Switzerland in the past school year. These kits provide teachers with ready-to-use materials for conducting scientific experiments directly in the classroom, aligned with school curricula. The Salomé comic series, with 25,000 copies in circulation, is another example of a playful tool used to simplify complex scientific concepts in a fun and accessible way for younger audiences. Two new publications will be released in autumn 2024: The Adventures of the Schnafoul’Club – Volume 1, a book aimed at young readers focusing on mathematics, and The Great Secrets of the Universe, an illustrated book on astronomy and astrophysics intended for the general public. These publications reflect Scienscope’s commitment to making science accessible through age-appropriate and engaging formats.

Scienscope also offers in-class workshops or traveling sessions in various regions of Switzerland. The Pharmascope focuses on pharmaceutical sciences, allowing students to explore how medicines work, while the Portable Planetarium from the Astroscope enables schools to delve into the mysteries of the Universe. Mathscope@large is another traveling program, introducing mathematics through interactive and engaging activities. Lastly, the Bring Your Science (R’Amène ta Science) initiative encourages students to lead their own science workshops, helping them develop skills in project management, communication, and science outreach.

Public Events

Scienscope is actively involved in organizing public events, such as the Night of Science, the International Exhibition of Inventions, and the Wright Colloquium. These events provide unique opportunities to meet scientists, watch demonstrations, and explore the latest scientific innovations. The Bioscope Public Evenings, focused on life sciences, are another example of initiatives designed to simplify complex topics while allowing participants to conduct experiments themselves.

Training

Several training programs are offered to Scienscope's outreach teams, particularly regarding safety, in collaboration with the STEPS service. These include modules on first aid, fire prevention, and evacuation procedures. These sessions ensure participant safety and equip staff to handle emergency situations with professionalism.

In the area of scientific outreach, a scientific mediation training session is scheduled for November 2024, while a theater improvisation training will take place in February 2025. The aim is to enhance mediators’ communication skills and their ability to engage with audiences effectively.

Challenges and Perspectives

Scienscope faces challenges in ensuring the sustainability and growth of its activities. Some projects rely on temporary or uncertain funding in specific disciplines, making their long-term continuation challenging. Therefore, it is crucial to strengthen the shared culture within the team and among partners, as well as to foster collaborative projects, creating a collective working dynamic around shared objectives. In parallel, philanthropic support is being sought to fund these projects.

With its inclusive and multidisciplinary approach, Scienscope continues its commitment to making science an adventure accessible to all while strengthening ties between the academic world and society. Its initiatives not only raise awareness of science among younger generations but also encourage critical and informed reflection on current and future scientific challenges, benefiting the community as a whole.

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