About the Center for Advancement of
Informal Science Education (CAISE)
Design Squad - Natasha drilling
The Center for the Advancement of Informal Science Education (CAISE) works in collaboration with the NSF Informal Science Education Program (ISE) to strengthen and advance the field of informal science education and its infrastructure by providing resources for NSF principal investigators, ISE professionals, and STEM researchers. CAISE catalyzes conversation, connection and collaboration across the ISE field—including film and broadcast media, science centers and museums, zoos and aquariums, botanical gardens and nature centers, digital media and gaming, science journalism, and youth, community, and after-school programs.
Founded in 2007 with support from the National Science Foundation (NSF), CAISE is a partnership among the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC), Oregon State University (OSU), the University of Pittsburgh Center for Learning in Out-of-School Environments (UPCLOSE), and the Visitor Studies Association (VSA). Inverness Research Associates serves as evaluator. CAISE is housed at ASTC’s Washington, D.C. offices.
IMAX Filmmaker Stephen Low, Volcanoes of the Deep Sea
ASTC is an international organization of science centers and museums dedicated to public understanding of science among increasingly diverse audiences. Founded in 1973, ASTC was a 2006 recipient of the National Science Board’s Public Service Award.