Chisa Mitsuhashi

From the perspectives of ELSI and RRI, building a desirable future society through science and technology, requires involving the public early in the research and development stages. One approach is leveraging science museums as inclusive spaces, where people from diverse backgrounds can come together. This presentation introduces our initiative to position science museums as a “Testing ground for future society.” Since Miraikan’s 2001 opening, we’ve engaged in a wide range of science communication activities. We recognized the importance of early public involvement. We conducted “demonstration experiments” as part of these efforts approximately a decade ago. Currently, Miraikan collaborates broadly with visitors and researchers, includes non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, humanoid robots, cognitive psychology and AI-equipped devices. These efforts rely on Science Communicators and museum staff who understand the perspectives of both researchers and visitors, and who bring expertise in experience-based design and science communication. Their expertise transforms activities into meaningful processes to “co-create the future.” In the development of new devices, creating an environment where researchers and participants can engage in equal-footing dialogue brings benefits to both. For example, researchers gain user feedback and have the opportunity to reflect on how their research is used and perceived by the public. This allows researchers to reconsider the relationship between research and society. Participants learn about social issues behind the research, and are encouraged to consider the actual impacts of these approaches. Notably, participants express the realization that “even as non-researchers, our opinions matter.” This self-awareness, that they are important stakeholders, precisely defines RRI. A science museum is where people from diverse backgrounds can gather and engage innovative initiatives. With Science Communicators, the public can continuously participate in research from initial stages. We propose this framework as a new model for building a desirable future society through science and technology.