The Ethiopian Academy of Sciences (EAS), which was founded in 2010 by a group of distinguished scholars, is dedicated to contribute to the nation’s development by instilling a culture of science and innovation among citizens so that they become knowledgeable, strive for change, achieve attitudinal change and enjoy better and civilized life style. As an institution dedicated to foster scientific culture, knowledge, and innovation for societal development in Ethiopia, EAS has taken the initiative to establish a Science Center (SC) in Ethiopia, which has been serving as a hub to enhance public understanding of science and technology in the country. To realize the mission and vision of the Academy, the SC of EAS has been implementing different programs in its various units.
Typically, a science center is an educational facility that uses effective methods to enhance knowledge in Science, Technology, Mathematics and Engineering (STEM) among the general public. It is also a venue that provides an experiment based learning ambiance to inculcate a spirit of inquiry, foster creative talent and generate scientific interest in communities. In doing so science center stimulates curiosity, develops inquiring minds and exposes children and adults to positive new experiences. It helps people to cope with the rapidly changing technological environment, and empower them by improving their life skills. It also enriches the school curriculum and train science multipliers such as teachers, teacher-trainers, researchers and parents.
By establishing a Science Center, the first of its kind in the country, EAS has been realizing its aspiration of instilling a culture of science and innovation among our nations. Such commitment of the Academy plays a crucial role in equipping our societies with the tools of scientific and technological knowledge, which in its turn plays a significant role in ensuring the realization of sustainable development in Ethiopia. Since it has set out to establish a model science center, EAS has been fortunate enough to garner the support of governmental and non-governmental organizations, and its fellows. The major support granted to the Science Center of EAS (SCEAS) includes the 40 Million Birr award provided by the Ministry of Finance and Economics following the request from EAS by submitting detailed proposal which depicts facilities which have to be acquired by EAS in order to establish a model Science Center along with the required budgets. The other significant supports offered by nongovernmental organizations include the provisions of electronic devices and instruments which are dedicated for the establishment and the ongoing trainings of informal STEM education center, 10 kW Solar Power System, Biomechanics Laboratory, Children’s Science Center and Fabrication Laboratory – from STEMpower Inc., PHÄNOMENTA Science Center of Germany and Universcience of France. Being invigorated by these supports, the Science Center of EAS has been able to establish different centers to meet its objectives and aspirations.
- Main tasks of SCEAS
In allegiance with becoming a model science center in the country, the SCEAS accomplishes its tasks into three main categories:
Popularization of science and technology
By displaying interactive scientific exhibits in distinctive galleries, the SCEAS popularizes science and technology for the general public by making complex ideas in science and technology simple to visitors coming to the Science Center so that ideas which were puzzling become clear and the public become aware and bring attitudinal change, become knowledgeable and enjoys civilized and better life styles. The galleries (centers) in which the SCEAS displays interactive exhibits includes Physics Unit, Children’s Science Center, Geology and Paleoanthropology Unit and Engineering and Industry Unit.
The other platform that the SCEAS plans to implement is hosting Science Communication Events which can be made use of as means to popularize science and enhance public engagement in science and technology. Beyond clarifying complex ideas in science and technology, and creating awareness of the benefits that the public harness from science and technology, science communication events play crucial roles in enhancing public engagement so that individuals and communities contribute their share by putting efforts to the advancement of science and technology to the benefit of Nations, say to tackle global challenges like climate change, Artificial Intelligence, Genetic Modifications, Vaccines, etc. The Science Communication Events that SCEAS envisages to host includes Science Festival, Science Lecture, Science Shows and Intellectual Debate.
Inspiring the younger generation in Innovation and Critical Thinking
The SCEAS has established an informal STEM education center where high school students drawn from various schools across Addis Ababa are trained in Electronics and Computer Science in hands-on bent approach. The STEM education center is organized into Electronics and Computers Science Laboratories which are equipped with electronic devises and instruments, including 30 computers configured in server-client connection. Typically, students of grad 10 to 12 are trained theoretically and practically in our STEM education center by integrating the four discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) into one so that the students be equipped with the four important soft skills known as the “4C” – Critical Thinking, Creativity, Collaboration and Communication, which are key elements in inspiring students to become innovative, critical thinker and self-confident. Beyond the aforementioned objectives, the SCEAS uses the trainings being given in its STEM Center as a platform to inspire the younger generation to consider studying in STEM in their tertiary education programs, and also to have a preference in STEM in their future career. Such commitments of the SCEAS play a significant role in transforming the STEM education platform for innovation purposes, and in speeding up our Nation’s economic competitiveness.
Reinforcing and broadening the STEM task force
The SCEAS has established units like Biomechanics Laboratory, state of the art 10 kW Solar Power System, and Fabrication Laboratory (FabLab) to establish strategic partnership with governmental and non-governmental institutions in professional development with the objective of filling the gap in acquisition of knowledge and skills by professionals so that they can cope with the rapidly changing science and technology in their specific fields of study by providing appropriate and timely trainings. In connection with such responsibilities, the SCEAS plans to take the initiative in the establishment of center of excellence and high tech training center in collaboration with stakeholders, which can play strategic importance in ensuring development and economic growth in the country.
