Citizens’ participation in informal science activities in Malta

Abstract

Science has a complex history in the Maltese Islands, sketched by who defines it, how it is conducted, and who engages with it. Citizens’ science capital is a theoretical lens that explores uneven patterns in science participation (Archer et al., 2015). It delves into what influences individuals’ perceived self-efficacy and how they engage with science and scientific research if and when they do. This paper will focus on three factors affecting Maltese residents’ science capital: whether they attend science activities, which entities they visit, and their relationship with institutions that conduct Public Engagement with Science (PES). While the conceptual approach to theorising science capital was designed as a tool for use with school students, this analysis will extend the concept to citizens’ participation in science activities in Malta in 2019/2020. A questionnaire was distributed to Maltese residents to determine their engagement with science and science activities. The specific results on residents’ interest in science and their tendency to attend science activities will be presented in this paper. Most of the respondents expressed their interest in science (n = 461, 80.2%), with only a small sample of 69 respondents (12.0%) stating otherwise. The highest percentage of the respondents attending science activities were from the 18–24 age group (65.2%). The 55–64 age group had the lowest percentage (29.4%), followed by the 65+ group (32.7%). Results also show that 36.6% of the respondents had never visited Esplora, the Interactive Science Centre, and a further 7.7% were unaware of it. Activities can be more inclusive if entities conducting PES include citizens in the design of the activities. A national PES strategy might act towards a better-coordinated approach among stakeholders conducting PES.