The aim of the special interest group is to raise awareness and support meaningful change within the CIMUSET community.

Decolonisation and recognition are often discussed in relation to cultural, art, and ethnographic museums. However, science and technology museums are equally shaped by histories, narratives, collections, and institutional practices that require critical reflection.

At CIMUSET, we believe that science and technology museums have an important role to play in recognising diverse knowledge systems, questioning established narratives, and reflecting on how histories of science and technology are collected, interpreted, and communicated.

The Special Interest Group on Decolonisation and Recognition aims to raise awareness, build capacity, and provide guidance to support the CIMUSET community in developing more inclusive approaches to museum narratives, collections, exhibitions, programmes, and institutional practices.

To achieve this, the Special Interest Group on Decolonisation and Recognition focuses on:

• Building a strong international network, including collaboration with members of ICOM’s Working Group on Decolonisation
• Engaging researchers, museum professionals, and other experts as advisors
• Delivering online workshops and integrating discussions on decolonisation and recognition into CIMUSET conferences and in-person gatherings
• Documenting processes, experiences, and outcomes to share knowledge and inspire future practices across the CIMUSET community

Members of the Special Interest Group

• Amparo Leyman Pino
  Director of Interpretive Programs, Monterey Bay Aquarium
• Elena Santi
  Museum Curator, Università degli Studi di Padova
• Vismay Raval
  Curator, Surat Science Centre
• Jacob Thorek Jensen
  Curator, Danish Museum of Science and Technology
• Elizabeth Rasekoala
  President, African Gong