Taking science out of the lab and onto the streets!

Science Rendezvous is a registered Canadian charity dedicated to inspiring the public through engaging STEM programs and hands‑on research experiences. Our flagship event is the annual free family science festival, which takes place on the second Saturday of May.

Science Rendezvous partners with Canada’s leading researchers, universities, and research institutes to create a coast‑to‑coast “pop‑up science centre” that is free and open to everyone. Events are held in more than 25 cities, offering thousands of activities and the chance to meet scientists face‑to‑face.

Vision

A Canada that is curious and engaged, where science inspires innovation and empowers every community to build a better tomorrow!

Mission

To foster a culture of scientific learning and leadership across Canada by creating accessible hands-on STEM experiences that connect scientists, educators, youth, and the public, empowering diverse communities to explore and discover.

History

Science Rendezvous began as a grassroots initiative on May 10, 2008, in the Greater Toronto Area, supported by the University of Toronto, Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University), York University, and Ontario Tech University. The architects of Science Rendezvous responded to a convergence of pervasive factors:

1. Society’s increasing dependence on science and technology
2. The explosion of often conflicting information available at our fingertips
3. Data that suggests that more than half of all Canadians lack an understanding of the basic scientific concepts required to understand major public debates on scientific issues.

The vision of Science Rendezvous’ pioneers brought about a wholesale change to the landscape of STEM outreach in Canada, signaling an end to what had been a haphazard collection of fragmented and small-scale, local events. Science Rendezvous’ collaborative, national model brings reliable educational programming, resources and materials to major urban centres in Newfoundland, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia as well as to rural communities in Labrador, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Science Rendezvous’ festival also opens access to over $5 billion in research infrastructure, offering rare behind‑the‑scenes experiences that encourage youth to explore STEM careers and foster a deeper appreciation of scientific research.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity

Science Rendezvous seeks to connect Canadian science innovators to the public directly, provide educational programing and inspire the next generation to pursue careers in STEM.

With is goal in mind, Science Rendezvous is committed to:

• Promoting the integration of equity, diversity and inclusion into programs, processes and decision making.
• Thoughtfully and intentionally engaging under‑represented and disadvantaged groups in STEM.
• Creating welcoming, accessible environments where everyone can explore scientific innovation.
• Reaching the most diverse audiences using innovative approaches.
• Providing opportunities for diverse student teams to develop leadership and project‑management skills.
• Aligning research impacting Indigenous peoples with the best practices and policies identified through ongoing engagement with First Nations, Metis and Inuit Peoples and their organizations.
• Removing visible and invisible barriers to participation in STEM events.
• Collecting and analyzing data to measure progress and improve program impact.