The Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI) is pleased to announce its participation in Expo 2025 Osaka with an exclusive networking roundtable, “Future of Science Centres as People’s Living Labs” organised by the Pavilion of Portugal. This special event will convene leading voices in science communication from Japan and around the world to explore how science centres can evolve into vibrant, community-driven spaces for public engagement and innovation.
Held within the thematic framework of Expo 2025—“Designing Future Society for Our Lives”—the roundtable will examine how science centres can act as dynamic living laboratories. Participants will discuss strategies to co-create with communities, move beyond static exhibitions, and design inclusive, participatory environments that support societal transformation through science.
Bringing together practitioners, researchers, and institutional leaders, this conversation will spotlight models of co-creation and the growing role of science centres as civic infrastructure for the 21st century.
The roundtable will be followed by a networking reception and light dinner, offering further opportunity for exchange among participants.
Event Title: Future of Science Centres as People’s Living Labs
Date: Thursday, 31 July 2025
Time: 17:00–18:30 (followed by a reception/light dinner)
Location: Pavilion of Portugal, Expo 2025, Osaka, Japan
Participating experts:
Rosalia Vargas, President, Ciência Viva
Pedro Russo, Director, Ciência Viva
Eisuke Tachikawa, CEO, NOSIGNER
Katsuki Yoshioka, Director, Osaka Science Center
Tomita Akihiko, Professor, Wakayama University
Thilina Heenatigala, Professor, Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI), Science Tokyo
Mariko Murata, Professor Kansai University,
Okamura Asako, Researcher, National Institute of Science and Technology Policy (NISTEP)
Michiyuki Ishita, CEO, COLORs CREATION
Kam Weng Tam , Professor, University of Macau/Board of Directors Macao Science Center
Kei Kano, Professor, Faculty of Education, Shiga University
Hidehiko Agata, Professor, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan
Asakawa Chieko, Chief Executive Director, Miraikan
Takagi Hironobu, Director, Miraikan