NAMES Network

Launched on 30 January 2006, the GOAL of the North Africa and Middle East Science centers network (NAMES) is the popularization of science throughout the region by enhancing the public understanding and involvement in science and scientific culture among an increasingly diverse audience. The PURPOSE of creating NAMES is to foster cooperation between existing science centers and museums, as well as other science engagement entities, professionals, and enthusiasts, in North Africa and the Middle East with the aim of benefiting from all available resources and experiences within the region to further enhance the role of all member institutions and individuals. Our MISSION is to democratize science throughout the region by enhancing public understanding and involvement in science among an increasingly diverse public by means of informal education. Our VISION is to foster cooperation between member institutions and individuals with the aim of benefiting from, and maximizing upon, the collective available resources and experiences within the region. Networking and collaboration within the region and with the rest of the world enhances the knowledge of the dynamic and ever-changing pace of science and technology necessary for achieving the common goal of science democratization. Our OBJECTIVES are to: 1- Identify the current situation, means, and venues of science engagement in the region. 2- Promote best practices, supporting effective communication, and encouraging excellence and innovation in informal science learning. 3- Provide professional development for the science engagement field in the region, collaborating to enhance the performance of those involved in the field, and making best use of all available resources within the region. 4- Spread the message of informal education and strengthening the position of science centers/museums within the community at large. 5- Emphasize and popularize the cultural and scientific heritage of the region.