Science popularisation is high on the agenda of the Malta Council of Science and Technology and research shows that learning science the fun way is indeed the best way to learn science.

One of MCST’s priorities is, in fact, to encourage young people to choose careers related to science and technology. Headed by CEO Nicholas Sammut and chairperson Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, MCST will continue applying this through the ‘Science is Fun’ campaign, which is part-financed by the European Social Fund.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi’s idea of creating a space were children can experience science first hand, as is done in the NEMO Centre in Holland, was welcomed by established researchers and educators alike.

Although a building site for the children’s science centre has not been identified yet by the government, it would be run hand in hand with the Life Sciences Park which is to be built in San Gwann industrial estate.

The concept behind the Dutch NEMO centre is for children who visit the centre to return home with a feeling of satisfaction, with an even greater fascination for science and technology than before, and perhaps determined to choose an education or career in science or technology.

The NEMO centre management team are trying to achieve this by creating interactive exhibitions, which fire children’s imagination, by developing educational products, projects and games, and by organising programmes such as lectures, demos, workshops and science theatre.

Unlike in other museums or expos, touching is not forbidden at the NEMO museum.

Children are invited to use all their senses and have a stimulating and fascinating experience. There is only one rule at NEMO, to touch everything you see, and explore!

People of all ages are welcome to visit NEMO and set out on their own voyage of discovery. The primary target group are children aged between six and 16, with or without their parents or guardians. NEMO also wants its adult visitors to learn something about science and technology, and tries to cover all levels of education.

NEMO is the largest science centre in the Netherlands. With five floors full of exciting things to do and discover, it is the perfect place for anyone with an inquiring mind. Everything in NEMO, ranging from exhibitions to theatre performances, films, workshops and demonstrations, is connected to science and technology. One can smell, hear, feel and see how the world works. After a visit to NEMO, visitors would know why bridges are so strong, how one will look like in 30 years’ time, why we look so much like our parents, how water is purified, what happens during kissing, how lightning and satellites work and much more.