The Expert Is In
An Expert-Led Program Integrating Research & Public Curiosity
The "Expert Is In" program is a cornerstone public engagement initiative at the Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, designed to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and the curious public. This free program invites leading experts, including scientists, researchers, and artists, directly into the museum's exhibition halls and education centers to share their work on nature-based themes through dynamic, direct engagement with visitors.
- Engages approximately 100 participants per 2 hour long program sessions through direct, hands-on interactions.
- Built on a scalable framework that has expanded from the Sant Ocean Hall to galleries throughout the museum and the Q?rius education center.
- Connects audiences with cutting-edge nature-based research, innovation, and technology.
"Expert Is In": Strategic Growth & Reach
Scientist is In
Mobile cart in the Ocean Hall
Expert is In
Framework expansion
Multi-gallery Adoption
Including other exhibition halls, education center and annual festivals
Originally launched as Scientist Is In in the Ocean Hall, the program began with mobile Discovery Carts that sparked informal, interactive conversations using collection objects and specialized equipment. Its success led to expansion into prominent galleries such as the Hall of Human Origins and the Q?rius Education Center, incorporating tables, microscopes, and collections, as well as integration into annual festivals. This growth highlights the program’s effectiveness in fostering meaningful connections and making scientific knowledge engaging and accessible to audiences of all ages.
