Science Cafes. Cross-cultural adaptation and educational applications

Tokyo Institute of Technology (TokyoTech) has been developing a number of methodologies to teach graduate students the theory and practice of science communication since 2005. One of the tools used is the science cafe, where students are taught about the background based primarily on theoretical models developed in the UK. They then apply that knowledge and adapt it in the Japanese cultural context and plan, execute and review outcomes as part of their course. In this paper we review 4 years of experience in using science cafes in this educational context; we review the background to the students' decision-making and consensus-building process towards deciding on the style and subject to be used, and the value this has in illuminating the cultural influences on the science cafe design and implementation. We also review the value of the science cafe as an educational tool and conclude that it has contributed to a number of teaching goals related to both knowledge and the personal skills required to function effectively in an international environment.