09 Jun 2016
Austrian President Heinz Fischer opens Ecsite 2016
BY Tom Anstey
Austria’s President Heinz Fischer has officially launched this year’s Ecsite conference in Graz, addressing delegates ahead of three days of exploratory talks and session on science centres.
Taking place this year in Graz’s Messecongress, Ecsite is the largest event of its kind, open to everyone interested in public engagement with science.
Setting the scene for the days ahead, Fischer, whose wife Margit is president of the ScienceCenter-Network, praised the work of his wife and the entire team that have put the conference together.
“This is the first time Ecsite has come to Austria,” said the President. “Thanks to my wife I know a little bit about the hard work that’s been put in by the organisers to make this happen, there are many who are really devoted to the idea of Ecsite and to the idea of the ScienceCenter-Network.”
The President continued by highlighting Graz as the perfect choice for an event designed to stimulate interest in science, particularly with young people.
“Graz is a special place,” he said. “I was born in Graz and I know since I was a student and a member of the student’s parliament that Graz has one of the largest student populations in Austria – for a population of 300,000, roughly 20 people in every 100 living here are students.”
Fischer, who was minister of science and research from 1983-1987, recounted how his interest in science was sparked when he was acting as president of the Austrian parliament in 1992.
“I was invited to Canada with Margit who was so fascinated by a science centre in Vancouver, that it started the whole story for us,” he said. “After that, the word ‘science’ was popping up at every breakfast, at several dinners and many trips in the car.”
The President went on to praise science centres worldwide, calling them an essential extra layer in the school system that marries young people with science.
“It is an interesting idea to add to both our school and university system the idea of bringing people closer to science, making it easy for them to understand, to have pleasure, to have good feelings and to learn. It’s much easier for a child if they have in addition to school such an opportunity.
“I can only support this idea,” concluded Fischer. “I wish you all success for this meeting of almost 1,000 delegates. Beyond that I wish success to the whole idea of science centres and a new approach as to how young people can get personal relationship with science, technology and innovations.”
Attractions Management is on-hand at this year’s Ecsite conference in Graz, Austria. Be sure to check back here in the coming days for more from the industry-leading conference on science and public engagement.
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