“From preservation to participation: The transformative power of Museums in Science Engagement”
by Brenan Dew and Nicola Sasanelli AM
This Book explores the evolving role of museums and science centres as vibrant, inclusive, and future-focused institutions. Once defined by their role in preserving artifacts, these spaces are now reimagined as dynamic cultural and educational hubs places where science, creativity, community, and innovation intersect.
Papercover $29.00 Incl. GST
E-Book $0.00
Read now ↓
For enquiries please contact info@agora-hightech.com.au
From preservation to participation: The transformative power of Museums in Science Engagement”
by Brenan Dew and Nicola Sasanelli
This Book explores the evolving role of museums and science centres as vibrant, inclusive, and future-focused institutions. Once defined by their role in preserving artifacts, these spaces are now reimagined as dynamic cultural and educational hubs places where science, creativity, community, and innovation intersect.
Papercover $29.00 Incl. GST
E-Book $0.00
Read now ↓
For enquiries please contact info@agora-hightech.com.au
About the Book
From Preservation to Participation: The Transformative Power of Museums in Science Engagement explores the evolving role of museums and science centres as vibrant, inclusive, and future-focused institutions. Once defined by their role in preserving artifacts, these spaces are now reimagined as dynamic cultural and educational hubs places where science, creativity, community, and innovation intersect.
The book examines how museums are responding to societal shifts by embracing interactivity, accessibility, and cultural co-creation. It unpacks the strategic frameworks guiding 21st-century museum leadership, including planning, governance, global collaboration, ethical funding, and sustainable operations. Through international case studies, from the Science Gallery Network to MOTAT’s Te Puawānanga Centre, the publication illustrates best practices in participatory STEM education, territorial branding, and interdisciplinary engagement.
This book explores the evolving role of museums and science centres as vibrant, inclusive, and future-focused institutions.
At its core, this work positions museums as catalysts for lifelong learning, civic dialogue, and social cohesion. It advocates for a model where education is hands-on, community-driven, and aligned with the challenges and opportunities of a knowledge-based economy. With a clear focus on inclusivity, especially the integration of Indigenous knowledge systems, the authors highlight how museums can support diverse learners and foster resilient, imaginative, and future-ready societies.
The publication is available for purchase as a not-for-profit initiative, with all proceeds supporting an educational project designed to inspire First Nation young students in STEM subjects.
About the Authors
Brenan Dew
Brenan Dew is an experienced leader within cultural institutions with a strong background in science engagement, visitor experience, and museum innovation. With a career spanning museums and science centres across Australia, he has led transformative initiatives that focus on accessibility, inclusion, and community connection. Brenan specialises at promoting dynamic, participatory experiences that bridge science, history and education, and has a proven track record in operational leadership, strategic planning and audience development. His work champions museums as vital, future-facing institutions that enable civic engagement, inspire curiosity and foster lifelong learning.
Nicola Sasanelli
Nicola Sasanelli AM is an internationally recognised leader in space innovation and technology collaboration. With a background in electronic engineering and microelectronics research, he served as Scientific Attaché at the Embassy of Italy in Canberra before joining the South Australian Government, where he played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Australian Space Agency and the SmartSat CRC. He was the co-founder and inaugural CEO of the Andy Thomas Space Foundation, and is currently Chairman of Agora High-Tech and co-founder of SpaceCyber Inc. Nicola also holds Adjunct Professor roles at several Australian universities and has been honoured with both the Order of Australia and the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.
He is the author of numerous publications on innovation policy and STEM-related topics.
About the Authors
Brenan Dew
Brenan Dew is an experienced leader within cultural institutions with a strong background in science engagement, visitor experience, and museum innovation. With a career spanning museums and science centres across Australia, he has led transformative initiatives that focus on accessibility, inclusion, and community connection. Brenan specialises at promoting dynamic, participatory experiences that bridge science, history and education, and has a proven track record in operational leadership, strategic planning and audience development. His work champions museums as vital, future-facing institutions that enable civic engagement, inspire curiosity and foster lifelong learning.
Nicola Sasanelli
Nicola Sasanelli AM is an internationally recognised leader in space innovation and technology collaboration. With a background in electronic engineering and microelectronics research, he served as Scientific Attaché at the Embassy of Italy in Canberra before joining the South Australian Government, where he played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Australian Space Agency and the SmartSat CRC. He was the co-founder and inaugural CEO of the Andy Thomas Space Foundation, and is currently Chairman of Agora High-Tech and co-founder of SpaceCyber Inc. Nicola also holds Adjunct Professor roles at several Australian universities and has been honoured with both the Order of Australia and the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.
He is the author of numerous publications on innovation policy and STEM-related topics.
Sample Pages
ISBN
978-0-646-71550-6
Published by
Agora High-Tech Pty Ltd
