Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1537666
JUST weeks into her role as Senior Director of Esplora Interactive Science Centre, Mary Ann Cauchi sat down with MaltaToday to share her vision for the road ahead. Her ap- pointment comes at a pivotal time for the centre, as she reflected on her desire for Esplora to continue to thrive and flourish. "It's been an intense start, but a positive one," she said. "There's a great and dedi- cated team here. I've spent the first week's meeting with every department, listening, learning, and gaining a clearer understand- ing of the day-to-day realities that keep Es- plora moving." Cauchi's journey to this role has not been linear. Her background blends education, arts, business and management, a combi- nation she believes offers a fresh lens for Esplora's next chapter. "I come from an educational setting, but also a creative one. That mix, I hope, will help us think more openly about what STEAM (Science, Tech- nology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics engagement can look like." Cauchi joined Esplora from Arts Council Malta, where she served as Chief Opera- tions Officer for Funding and Strategy. The move, she says, felt like a natural extension of her long-standing belief in an interdisci- plinary approach. Cauchi acknowledged that her early days in the role have been focused heavily on listening. "It's important I understand what works, what doesn't, and what aspirations people already have. My role isn't to arrive with a strict plan but to shape one collec- tively." Among her priorities, Cauchi talked about audience development. "We need to build on our audiences, not just in numbers but in diversity." she said. Another focus is audience engagement While Esplora excels as a physical, hands- on space, Cauchi sees untapped potential for reaching wider audiences. 'It's not just about exhibits,' she explained. 'It's about using tools creatively to spark curiosity, in- teraction, and connection." At the same time, Cauchi is mindful of Esplora's local identity within the wider Eu- ropean science centre community. "Esplora is unique, it's Malta's only science centre of this scale. But we're also part of a European and global conversation about STEAM en- gagement. Thus, we need to engage in con- versations and strengthen collaborations ." She highlights potential collaborations with other science centres, as well as part- nerships with schools, NGOs, and cultural organisations closer to home. "One of my goals is for Esplora to be seen not as a stan- dalone centre but as a hub that connects different sectors." Cauchi is also reflective about leadership itself. "Moving from a leadership role at Arts Council Malta to another as senior director post here is a step up. But it's less about hierarchy and more about responsi- bility," she said. "It's a responsibility to the team, to our visitors, and to the potential Esplora holds. There's so much more than what the public sees, it's not just the exhib- its." Cauchi also highlight- ed that Esplora has recent- ly become a certified non-for- mal accreditation centre. "Therefore, Esplora is currently designing sessions which will be eligible for learning credits and partial assessments," she explained. Furthermore, Cauchi spoke about plans to revitalise Esplora's planetarium, which she described as "a unique national asset." She noted that work is underway to expand its educational use beyond traditional astrono- my shows. "We want the planetarium to be- come a space where different subjects can come alive," she said, adding that interna- tional collaborators are also being explored to refresh the programming and attract new audiences. Asked whether her recent start has changed her perception of the centre, she said, "Yes, actually. As a visitor, you see the polished side, the exhibits, the public events. But once you're on the inside, you appreciate the complexity. The ongoing maintenance, the behind-the-scenes work, the education programmes and live sci- ence-shows running quietly alongside the exhibits. There's so much more than what the public sees." L o o k - ing ahead, C a u c h i d e s c r i b e s herself as cautiously op- timistic. "There's always a temptation to promise rapid change. But meaningful change takes time. What I hope to build over the coming months is a clear, shared vision of what Es- plora can be, not just for the next year, but for the next five years." 2 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 20 JULY 2025 SCIENCE Shaping science through dialogue: Mary Ann Cauchi at Esplora's helm Esplora in Kalkara (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday) and Inset, right: Senior Director, Mary Ann Cauchi (Photo: Xjenza Malta) What's on this summer Esplora Interactive Science Centre's 2025 Summer Programme, runs from 1 July to 28 September, offering families and children aged 2 to 14 a lively mix of science shows, hands on workshops, planetarium sessions, and access to over 200 exhibits in a fully air conditioned, accessible facility. This year, Esplora is introducing a dy- namic, rotating theme format, with top- ics changing every two to three weeks. Themes will include space, nature, food science, sports, and Maltese festive tra- ditions. The programme is designed to nurture curiosity, spark creativity, and encourage independent learning through fun, informal science educa- tion — while keeping returning visitors engaged with fresh content throughout the season.