The science Museum as a Stage for Meaning-Making

This talk uses the Ghent University Museum as a case study to explore the shift of science museums from knowledge-mediating institutions to spaces that foster meaning-making. How can science museums evolve into places of active contemplation without compromising their mission to promote scientific literacy and critical citizenship? Can science, which inherently pursues objective knowledge, be reframed to offer existential experiences? What does this mean for engaging diverse audiences and embracing multiperspectivism?

Through the lens of the Ghent University Museum, Marjan Doom examine how curators can transform objects from passive knowledge carriers into active “actants” that stimulate thought. By approaching curation as a form of performance, this talk investigates how a science museum can serve as a dynamic stage for multilayered interpretations.

Prof. dr. Marjan Doom is Master in Veterinary Medicine and holds a phd in anatomy. As the director of GUM (Ghent University Museum), that opened its doors in October 2020, she is setting out the mission and vision of the museum. She also curated its permanent display for which she choose a science philosophical narrative, juxtaposing objects from a wide range of disciplines (from the humanities and social sciences to the hard sciences). This approach aims to evoke reflection on scientific thinking and the process of knowledge creation rather than to clarify research output and results. With this vision, GUM fully embraces the societal role of universities to encourage and educate critical citizenship. Simultaneously, this approach embraces the societal role of museums as public spaces where reflection and dialogue are activated. She is affiliated with the research group culture and education (UGent).

Author of "The Museum of Doubt" and TedX speaker:

https://youtu.be/qVCUC6kP9wU