The Falling Walls Engage Hubs aim to build a global community of Science Engagers and organisations connecting Science Engagement networks from around the world. The objective is to enable a global dialogue around key issues and challenges in Science Engagement through regional perspectives, while facilitating the building of sustainable partnerships.

As a growing network, the Engage Hubs translate into a series of in-person and virtual activities, from community building and activation events to public science showcases. The Hub activities are aimed at three main target groups: practitioners, researchers and science-related institutions, and the general publics.

The Falling Walls Engage Hub Japan will be launched in October 2022 with the aim of bringing together Japanese and International perspectives and practices on science communication and engagement. The Hub Japan is hosted and coordinated by Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI) and Japan SciCom Forum (JSF) with the support of Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST).

OVERVIEW

Dates: Monday-Friday, 17-21 October

Locations: Tokyo and Okinawa

Audience: Researchers, Science Communicators, Policymakers, University Students, School Students, Teachers, and Publics.

Organisers: Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI), Japan SciCom Forum (JSF), and Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST).

Note: If you'd like to attend the 17 October event, please email the organisers: pr [at] elsi.jp *replace at with @

SCHEDULE

MONDAY, 17 OCTOBER @ ELSI [INVITATION ONLY]

• 14:30 - 15:00 Opening Remarks by Thilina Heenatigala, Director of Communications, Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI) and Niklas Marzinek, Project Manager at Falling Walls Engage

  • Welcome and housekeeping

  • Introduction to Falling Walls Engage

  • Launch of Falling Walls Engage Hub Japan

  • International Year of Science Engagement 2027
    

• 15:00 - 15:45 Keynote on 'Scicomm lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic' by Brian Lin, Director, Editorial Content Strategy, EurekAlert! American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
  

• 15:45 - 16:15 Flash Talks on ‘Best Practices in Science Engagement’ by

  • Douglas Keddy, Associate Director, Research Promotion & Profile, Western University, Canada.

    • 'Let’s talk science (communication)'

  • Kelly Blumenthal, Deputy Director, IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach, Japan.

    • 'The Kavli-IAU Public Engagement Training Programme: Goals and Future Directions'

  • Mohamed Daoud, Research Support Officer, University of Malta.

    • 'Inclusive Science Engagement: Reaching the Unreachable'

  • Shane McCracken, Director, Mangorolla CIC, UK.

    • 'Breaking the Wall of Geographic Disadvantage'
      

• 16:15 - 17:00 Coffee break + Unconference on Science Engagement Topics:

  • From scientists to media to public - where’s the risk of communication?

  • Future of science engagement (in Japan, and elsewhere)

  • Does public really want to know what scientists do or only the results?

  • Balancing public engagement activities with other demands

  • What’s your challenge in science engagement?
    

• 17:00 - 18:00 Discussion by participation

• 18:00 - 19:00 Conclusions

TUESDAY 18 OCTOBER (CLOSED MEETINGS)

• Tour of NAOJ

• Closed meetings with science policymakers and practitioners

WEDNESDAY 19 OCTOBER (CLOSED MEETINGS)

• Tour of Miraikan

• Closed meetings with science policymakers and practitioners

THURSDAY 20 OCTOBER @ OIST [INVITATION ONLY]

• Tour of OIST

• Workshop on 'SciCom 101: Everything you need to know to get started (and have fun)'

FRIDAY 21 OCTOBER @ ONLINE [OPEN TO EVERYONE]

• 16:00-16:50 - Panel Discussion on Science engagement at Japan SciCom Forum

  • Registration required for the panel session https://www.japansci.com/conference/jsf22

CODE OF CONDUCT

Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated. All event attendees and staff have the right to a space that is free of all forms of discrimination, harassment, bullying, and/or retaliation. Participants who are requested to stop any harassing behaviour are expected to comply immediately. If you wish to report harassment, suspect that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of the organizing committee as soon as possible.

CONTACT INFOMATION

Please contact organizers if you have any questions: pr [at] elsi.jp *replace at with @