The Impact System of Science Centers and their Activities, in Support of Public Education and Career Guidance, during the COVID Pandemic

Abstract

This paper investigates the complex impact system of the science centers, that play a key role in STEM career orientation and a draft model, for measuring these impacts. A review of the range of science centers in Hungary and an examination of the location of them provides an overview of this industry. Presentation diverse goals of science centers, their functions, along with the spatial effects of different activities, based on the comparative analysis of two institutions is presented herein. In addition to that, the paper also discusses the rural development impacts of science centers through a promising practice, and investigates innovative ways in which science center’s support public education and STEM career guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research is based on the review of the current international literature on science centers. Subsequently, the Hungarian science center ecosystem is described through the analysis of public data, supplemented by the authors' personal, professional experiences in the analysis of the institutions and projects presented using a case study approach. The results show that the importance of science centers goes far beyond their function as tourist attractions, and that regular participation in their programs can enrich the knowledge base of their host city and agglomerations. The study indicates that science centers have all the required tools and methodological experience to effectively support public education in STEM fields. Finally, their ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances, during the COVID-19 epidemic, demonstrates a “future-oriented” approach and tremendous innovation potential that are inherent in these institutions.