Connecting museums: science museums as internationalization hubs in higher education

Abstract

The present essay is a report based in the experience of internationalization between the Science and Technology Museum of the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (MCT-PUCRS), the Great North Museum: John Hancock (GNM), of Newcastle University and the Oxford University Museum of Natural History (OUMNH), of the University of Oxford. It is about the built of a network between these institutions to discuss education, management and leadership in university science museums. Since the creation of this network, called Connecting Museums, in 2016, international meetings have been held between researchers and professionals in the field opened to the interested public. With actions related to teaching, research and extension, science teachers training activities have been organized for teachers from public and private schools, as well as the promotion of expertise exchanges between professionals regarding the management of university science museums. Publications such as articles were published in scientific journals, papers were presented in national and international conferences and, even, a book was organized as first fruits of Connecting Museums. All activities were promoted and supported by the British Council in Brazil. The expansion of the network begins in 2020 with a new configuration of the traditional event that bears its name, which for the first time will take place outside the MCT-PUCRS in Porto Alegre, with planned activities guided by the Museum Leaders’ Report, produced by Saïd Business School, of the University of Oxford, aiming to train future Brazilians museums leaders.