August 4, 2005 - Washington, DC- Patrice Legro, director of the Marian Koshland Science Museum, spoke at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation’s (Miraikan) annual forum in Toyko, Japan on July 18, 2005. The symposium focused on promoting public understanding of research (PUR) and efforts to connect science and technology with society.

The objectives of the forum were to introduce PUR activities in Japan, to convey Miraikan’s role in PUR activities, and propose PUR as a tool to open new possibilities for science museums. In a room filled with over 250 researchers, government officials, partner companies, science museum and media representatives, presentations were given by Professor Noyuri Mima, Deputy Director of Miraikan, Dr. Mamoru Mohri, Executive Director of Miraikan, Professor Yuichi Takayanagi, Director of Tamarokuto Science Center, and Patrice Legro. These presentations were followed by a panel discussion with Mr. Masataka Watanabe, Professor Takayanagi, Mr. Mitsuharu Takeuchi, and Ms. Legro responding to questions from the audience.

Legro presented a multimedia demonstration on the Koshland Science Museum’s public understanding of research tools and techniques that help increase the public’s awareness of science policy, research, and the decision-making process. The first demonstration was the Lights at Night interactive which uses remote sensing data to show change in energy consumption over time. Ms. Legro noted, “Visitors are given the same tools researchers use to analyze energy use but in an accessible and educational format.” She next demonstrated Consider the Alternatives, one of the museum’s computer-based decision support tools. Visitors consider alternative scenarios for responding to climate change and record the particular tradeoffs they are willing to make. “Consider the Alternatives provides visitors the opportunity to become involved in the decision- making process, much like policy makers,” said Legro.

The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) was created to provide a center of deeper understanding of science and technology, and to fulfill Japan’s aim of becoming a scientifically and technologically creative nation. The museum officially opened its doors to the public July 9, 2001.

The six-level museum features cutting-edge science and technology exhibitions in four themes: The Earth Environment and Frontiers, Innovation and the Future, Information Science and Technology Society and Life Science. For more information on Miraikan, please visit http://www.miraikan.jst.go.jp.

The Marian Koshland Science Museum features state-of-the-art, interactive exhibits targeted to students and adults in the general public, bringing to life numerous studies conducted by The National Academies. The mission of the museum is to make these studies more accessible to the public and to increase the public’s understanding of the nature and value of science. The museum’s inaugural exhibitions are Wonders of Science, Global Warming Facts and Our Future and Putting DNA to Work.