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The Canadian Association of Science Centres (CASC) is a network of trusted organizations that represent a critical component of the science, technology, and innovation landscape in Canada.
With an annual audience of over 10 million people, CASC is the biggest membership-based network of scientific engagement organizations in Canada. More than 70 members are dedicated to a thriving science and innovation culture in Canada, and they all come together under our umbrella.
CASC was founded in 1985 to create synergy among Canada’s science engagement organizations, to help find solutions to the challenges faced by these important public institutions, and to provide a single voice before government.
Our mission
We connect a national science engagement community that cultivates a joy of learning by making STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) approachable, accessible, and relevant.
Our vision
Canada has a thriving science and innovation culture of engaged citizens.
Lifelong public STEM engagement is essential.
The work of the CASC community is critical to improving STEM equity, promoting critical thinking, and supporting people to take action on issues that impact their daily lives.
“Nothing about us without us.”
Diverse participation and representation are non-negotiable. We ensure that no policy, initiative, or program is implemented without the direct participation of members of the group(s) affected by it.
STEM engagement is fun!
Done well, STEM engagement manifests as a joy of learning and is a two-way process. It can be varied in creative approaches, including informal education, public participation, community engagement, and communications.
Collaboration is essential to tackle global challenges.
No one organization can solve climate change, biodiversity loss, and the proliferation of misinformation. Diverse perspectives and organizations are needed for effective solutions and to foster collective impact.
There are many ways of knowing.
Our work is informed by inclusive approaches that value knowledge gained from Indigenous and Western research methods, as well as the inherent need for multi- and interdisciplinary, mission-driven research to help address pressing social, technological, economic, and health challenges.
Data-driven approaches support innovation and learning.
Intentionally gaining new insights and different ideas through the use of data and analytics. We maximize our impact by using data to help prioritize, adapt, and be nimble.
Core values are the deeply ingrained principles that guide all of CASC’s actions to achieve our core purpose for Canada to have a thriving science and innovation culture of engaged citizens. Our core values are visible in every aspect of the organization – from operations, programs, and communications to internal policies and processes. CASC’s values serve as our cultural cornerstones. They are never compromised, either for convenience or short-term economic gain.
