BUILDING CAPACITY FOR PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE: A REPORT ON THE ROLE OF SCIENCE CENTERS i Toplumun Bilim Anlayişinin Geliştirilmesi: Bilim Merkezlerinin Rolü Üzerine Bir Değerlendirme

There is a growing need in the world for the proficiency in core competencies for public understanding of science. However, decision makers and public often lack access to information, knowledge and skills to engage in informed decision making regarding socio-scientific issues; besides, settings typically lack infrastructure to support such activities. This paper aims to explore and describe the critical factors and dynamics in science centers’ strategic initiative to develop capacity for the improvement of public understanding of science and its core competencies regarding national and international standard practices.