Science Centers and Public Engagement with AI

Creating pathways for public understanding, participation, and influence in AI

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing our world, yet there is a significant gap between AI’s growing societal influence and public understanding or agency. Nearly three-quarters of Americans say it is extremely or very important for people to understand what AI is, and about six-in-ten (61%) say they would like more control over how AI is used in their lives (Pew Research Center, 2025).

The Role of Science and Technology Centers and Museums in AI Public Engagement

Building on work already underway in education, governance, and other sectors, science and technology centers are well-positioned to help bridge this gap. AI’s complexity demands cross-sector collaboration, and science and technology centers and museums (SCMs) bring something essential: trusted spaces where people can both understand AI and shape its future. Through partnerships, SCMs can build public understanding while creating real pathways for meaningful participation in AI decisions that affect communities. As trusted institutions with expertise in making complex science accessible, SCMs can provide:

Opportunities to learn about AI honestly – understanding how it works, where it’s already embedded in daily life, and what it can and cannot do
Support to navigate AI safely and use it appropriately – protecting privacy, identifying misinformation, making informed choices
Platforms for members of the public to question AI’s impacts and voice concerns
Pathways to influence AI development, policy, and governance (an emerging and critical role)
Forums to explore AI’s cultural meaning and process how it’s changing work, creativity, and daily life

Many science centers are already engaging with AI in their communities. ASTC supports these efforts through frameworks, resources, and peer learning opportunities.

A Framework for Action

To provide a roadmap for science centers and a framework for cross-sector partnerships, ASTC has developed a practical typology identifying 13 distinct roles science centers can play in AI public engagement, organized into four groups. This work prioritizes partnerships that increase public agency while maintaining SCMs’ independence and credibility as trusted community institutions.

Most SCMs are beginning with foundational AI literacy work (Group A) and building toward more complex partnership and advocacy roles over time.

Building Awareness and Knowledge about AI

The roles in this group build public knowledge and skills for AI literacy and agency, enabling people to both benefit from AI technologies and protect themselves from potential harm.

Role A1. Create opportunities for exploration and hands-on learning about AI
Role A2. Help people navigate AI’s impact on employment and careers
Role A3. Grow community capacity to use AI for their own purposes
Role A4. Help people navigate AI safely and securely

Facilitating Public Input into AI Development

The roles in this group bring public input and participation into AI research, design, development, demonstration, and regulation, to ensure the future of AI reflects public priorities and values.

Role B1. Facilitate public input into AI policy and governance
Role B2. Get the public involved in shaping and contributing to AI research
Role B3. Facilitate public input into AI system and product design, development, and demonstration

The roles in this group focus on building institutional capacity, collaborative networks, and advocacy efforts to support AI integration across education and policy systems in ways that serve the public interest.

Role C1. Support formal education in AI implementation and strategy
Role C2. Enable public participation in AI-in-society networks or coalitions
Role C3. Advocate for AI in the public interest

The roles in this group focus on understanding and making meaning of AI’s role in society, including facilitating community dialogue and reflection, cultural exploration through creative expression, and systematic documentation of AI’s impacts and public perspectives.

Role D1. Provide space for grappling with the societal impacts of AI
Role D2. Explore AI and culture through creative expression
Role D3. Generate data and evidence about AI’s impacts and public perspectives

Explore the full framework report, including typology of roles and guidance for implementation. The typology is designed as a living document that will evolve as science centers implement these roles and as the AI landscape changes.

With support from the National Science Foundation’s Responsible Design, Development and Deployment of Technology (ReDDDoT) program, ASTC convened cross-sector leaders from science centers, AI industry, academia, government, and civil society to develop this framework collaboratively. This work is part of ASTC’s broader commitment to helping science centers respond to rapidly-evolving technologies.

Get Involved

For science centers and museums – Whether you’re already doing AI engagement or just getting started, explore the range of possible roles, identify what aligns with your mission, and connect with resources and peers.

For researchers, developers, policymakers, funders, and other potential partners – Understand what SCMs uniquely offer as partners in responsible AI development and identify opportunities for collaboration or investment in this work.

Join our community of practice
Contact us about partnership opportunities
Share your AI engagement work

Group A: Building Awareness and Knowledge about AI

Building public knowledge and skills for AI literacy and agency

Group B: Facilitating Public Input into AI Development

Bringing public input into AI research, design, development, and regulation

Group C: Strengthening AI-related Processes and Infrastructure

Building institutional capacity, networks, and advocacy for the public interest

Group D: Exploring AI's Social Impact and Meaning

Understanding and making meaning of AI’s role in society through dialogue, culture, and evidence

Resources & Tools

View the Framework At-A-Glance

Quick overview of all 13 roles

Download Full Typology Report (PDF)

Complete framework with implementation guidance

Professional Development

Workshops and learning opportunities for SCM practitioners

Join the Community of Practice

Connect with peers doing AI engagement work

Implementation Tools - Coming Soon

Case studies, self-assessment tools, and practical resources

For Science Centers & Museums

Whether you’re already doing AI engagement or just getting started, explore the range of possible roles, identify what aligns with your mission, and connect with resources and peers.

For Researchers, Developers, Policymakers, Funders, and other Potential Partners

Understand what SCMs uniquely offer as partners in responsible AI development and identify opportunities for collaboration or investment in this work.