OUR FRAMEWORK
Science North has always been and always will be adaptable to change. The framework of our revitalized strategic plan is a glimpse into how we plan to grow, adjust, and develop.
OUR SCIENCE FOUNDATION
At its core, Science is knowledge.
It is a systematic approach to building knowledge based on factual, testable predictions about the world. Science is critical to the world around us – and we make science fun!
We are the Leader in Science engagement.
We engage people in a wide array of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) experiences that ignite experimentation, critical thinking, and a sense of wonder.
Our Science is driven by collaborative partnerships.
Every aspect of our Strategic Plan is driven by what we live and breathe every day: Science.
OUR MANDATE
Science North has a mandate to:
Offer a program of science learning across Northern Ontario
Operate a science centre
Operate a mining technology and earth sciences centre
Sell consulting services, exhibits and media productions to support the centre’s development
OUR VISION
We will be the leader in engaging audiences with entertaining, educational, and inclusive science experiences.
OUR PURPOSE
We inspire all people to interact with science in the world around them.
OUR IDENTITY
At Science North we are all Bluecoats.
Science North uniquely has titled all our staff, board members and volunteers as Bluecoats. Bluecoats are people who care, are knowledgeable and dedicated to making Science North great and who enable achievement of our Vision.
OUR VALUES
Bluecoats are innovative and collaborative who value accountability, inclusion, respect and striving towards excellence.
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We are creative and challenge each other to be original in thought and actions. We do not limit our thinking to current practices, we learn, grown and set new heights for ourselves.
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We believe that collective and combined teamwork is essential. Our relationships internally and externally are reciprocal and synergistic.
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We are results driven, answer to each other, to customers and stakeholders and we accept responsibility for our actions.
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We pride ourselves on providing equal access and opportunity for all people to ensure no one is or feels excluded. Everyone feels a sense of belonging when they visit, partner or work at Science North.
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We are considerate of others, regard and appreciate our differences. We openly, honestly accept and recognize participation and contribution.
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We are dedicated to continuous improvement. We better ourselves and each other every day. We take opportunities to learn, grow, be creative and innovative.
OUR FOCUS
Through bold, simple words, we have focused on areas that are extremely and uniquely important to Science North.
This identification allows us to continue to build our strength and permanence in science experiences.
We will RE-CONNECT
in new and exciting ways with our external partners, internal staff and volunteers.
We will RE-IMAGINE
grow and innovate.
We will RE-ENGAGE
more deeply and significantly with our customers and our community.
OUR CATALYSTS
Six catalysts will inform experiences that deepen Science North’s connections across Northern Ontario and beyond, allowing the organization to build a foundation that is progressive and modern, and expand Science North’s community and customer relations.
Reconciliation and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA)
Science North envisions a future where reconciliation is meaningfully embedded in all aspects of its work and in which relationships with Indigenous Peoples, clients and communities are built on a foundation of mutual respect, trust, and dialogue for the benefit of all. Science North will achieve this by establishing ongoing and meaningful dialogue with Indigenous communities and leaders and by recognizing and integrating past, present and future Indigenous perspectives.
Science North is committed to continuous improvement of the organization as an equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace and visitor experience. Science North will achieve this by growing and sustaining a work culture that promotes inclusive environments for all, and by being intentional and proactive in changing systems, policies, and practices, to promote equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.
People-Centered Culture
Science North’s people are its greatest assets and critical to the organization’s success. Our people are integral and instrumental to achieving our goal of inspiring people with the science in the world around them. Science North is committed to the development of the skills and leadership of its staff at all levels of the organization and sees this as paramount to its long-term success.
As supported by its leadership development strategies, we will maintain a culture across the organization that facilitates and motivates staff to reach their full potential and optimum performance.
Science North in and for all of Northern Ontario
Science North will continue to grow its presence across Northern Ontario. Becoming integral to the fabric of all communities in Northern Ontario ensures all people across the North will have access to, and be represented in, our science experiences.
Through increased partnerships, new outreach events, educational programming, and a strong focus on strengthening our presence in Northwestern Ontario, we will reach more audiences than ever before.
Digital and Technology Ecosystems
We will optimize our digital environment to deliver reliable and effective programs and services that are available anytime, anywhere and from any device on all digital platforms.
Science North will modernize its digital and IT environment with new delivery systems that are easy to use and maintain, stable, reliable, secure, and adaptable to improve business performance.
We will grow our online presence to be customer-focused, functional, dynamic, engaging, efficient and informative. We will operate and deliver programs and services to our stakeholders in simple, modern, and effective ways that are optimized for digital platforms.
Financial Resilience
Science North will diversify revenue through philanthropy, government grants, and external sales of exhibits and experiences. We will develop new visitor experiences, events and programming to enhance value for our audiences, drive ticket sales and memberships across Northern Ontario.
Science North will be accountable to our stakeholders, staff, and organization for sound financial and project management practices, supported by effective processes, tools, and training.
Environmental Sustainability
We will continue to vision and implement sustainable environmental practices across all science centre operations.
We will extend our internal practices and operations to implement policies that focus on the conservation of natural resources and protecting global ecosystems to support health and wellbeing, now and in the future.
We will develop educational experiences to engage our audiences in the science behind climate change, clean growth and environmental initiatives, increasing audiences’ awareness and inspiring them to take action towards environmental sustainability.
Through these efforts we will support leading all of Northern Ontario towards a greener future.