The UK’s Science Museum Group (SMG) and India’s National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) have collaborated to launch the ‘STEM Engagement and Learning’ programme, aimed at training 50 teachers and museum professionals from 14 Indian states in best practices for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) engagement, audience research, and collections management. This initiative is supported by the UK Government’s GREAT Britain and Northern Ireland campaign.

The programme included a combination of online workshops and an immersive six-day visit to London for 20 selected participants. The goal was to equip educators with innovative and effective methods to engage students in STEM learning. With over 30 years of expertise in STEM training, the Science Museum Group shared its knowledge in interactive and hands-on learning techniques, drawing on over a century of experience in engaging audiences with science through exhibitions, storytelling, and objects of historical significance.

Press Conference Highlights

A press conference was held at the National Science Centre, Delhi, to officially inform the objectives and the outcomes of the workshop which was held at SMG, UK from 2^nd to 7^th March 2025. The event was attended by prominent dignitaries, including:

• Dr. Rama Jayasunder, NCSM Society Member and Professor & Head, Department of NMR, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
• Mr. Samarendra Kumar, Deputy Director General, National Council of Science Museums
• Mr. Simon McNorton, Regional Director, UK Science and Technology Network, British High Commission
• Mr. Jack Landers, UK Science Museum Group Representative
• Shri M Ansari, Curator NSC Delhi and Coordinator, Press Conference on behalf of NCSM, India.

During the press conference, Mr. Samarendra Kumar provided insights into past collaborations between the Science Museum Group and NCSM and elaborated on the programme’s core objectives. He emphasized the significance of continued cooperation and knowledge exchange between the two nations to enhance science education and engagement.

Dr. Rama Jayasunder highlighted a key initiative from a recent NCSM Governing Body meeting, which encouraged increased participation of female teachers and students in STEM activities. As a result, 50 female teachers were part of the delegation attending the workshop. She also emphasized the importance of incorporating recommendations from the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, particularly in fostering experiential, immersive, and inclusive learning experiences within NCSM activities.

Mr. Simon McNorton reiterated the commitment of both organizations to sustaining such collaborative programmes in the future, ensuring continued support for STEM education and engagement in India.

Educators’ Insights and Transformational Experiences

As part of the event, two teachers who attended the workshop at SMG, UK, were invited to share their experiences. They emphasized that students perceive the world through their teachers' perspectives, making this workshop an eye-opening experience for them. Both educators expressed that their teaching methodologies and approaches underwent a profound transformation, enhancing their ability to create engaging and immersive STEM learning experiences.

Shri Rakesh Tripathi, Education Officer at NSC Delhi, who also attended the workshop, reflected on his learnings as a museum professional. He highlighted how the workshop broadened his understanding of integrating teachers into museum activities and tailoring museum programs to serve the educational community more effectively. His insights underscored the potential of museums to become dynamic learning spaces that support and complement classroom teaching.

This collaboration between India and the UK serves as a testament to the growing bilateral relationship in science and education. It underscores the commitment of both nations to fostering innovation, knowledge exchange, and skill-building in STEM communication and learning.

• Left to Right : Shri M Ansari, Curator NSC Delhi and Coordinator, Press Conference on behalf of NCSM, India
• Mr. Samarendra Kumar, Deputy Director General, National Council of Science Museums
• Dr. Rama Jayasunder, NCSM Society Member and Professor & Head, Department of NMR, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
• Mr. Simon McNorton, Regional Director, UK Science and Technology Network, British High Commission

• Mr. Samarendra Kumar, Deputy Director General, National Council of Science Museums
• Dr. Rama Jayasunder, NCSM Society Member and Professor & Head, Department of NMR, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
• Mr. Simon McNorton, Regional Director, UK Science and Technology Network, British High Commission

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

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