Collecting twenty-first century science: an analysis of public and professional perceptions

Abstract

This article covers the key findings from a set of qualitative and quantitative research investigating the relationship between public and professional perceptions of contemporary collecting. Areas of congruence and disconnect were studied using a survey, distributed to public and professional respondents, and a series of interviews with curatorial and directorial staff at two case study science museums: the Science Museum in London and the Rijksmuseum Boerhaave in Leiden. This research demonstrated that while there were certain areas of disconnect and hesitancy, both groups supported the acquisition of twenty-first century material in science, technology and medical museums, acknowledging the importance of such collecting strategies. The data also highlights the importance of contemporary material for audience engagement and development of science capital, enabling visitors to deepen their understanding of the past, present and future through discussions of current science, technology and medicine and its role within society.