Congratulations to Darrell Porcello - 2026 recipient of the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) Leading Edge Award.
Dr. Darrell Porcello is an innovator, designer, and educator, who trained as a neuroscientist at Stanford University. He previously served as Chief Technology Officer at UC Berkeley's Lawrence Hall of Science , and is currently Director, Learning Networks at the Children’s Creativity Museum in San Francisco.
Darrell has consistently been forward-thinking in bringing the public closer to complex scientific topics from nanotechnology to neuroethics and now emerging applications of AI. He and his many partners work to anticipate evolving ethical questions about emerging technologies to strengthen connections of science to society. Whether exploring the implications of neurotechnology, experimenting with digital learning platforms, or developing participatory models for science engagement, Darrell approaches these frontiers with empathy, curiosity and a commitment to collaboration with diverse value-holders. His work encourages the informal science learning community not only to respond to change, but actively shape the future of public engagement with science.
Equally significant is Darrell’s dedication to connecting science with broader societal conversations. In his leadership team work with the National Informal STEM Education Network (NISE Network), he has pushed forward thinking among STEM professionals on designing experiences that are relevant and meaningful. One example is his work in neuroscience public engagement which highlights the importance of engaging public audiences in dialogue about emerging technologies and their implications. This work has taken him outside the US to develop and facilitate deliberative conversation methods. Rather than treating science communication as one-way knowledge transmission, Darrell has championed participatory models that bring scientists, ethicists, designers, and community members together. His work with neuroethics hackathons from the Institute of Neuroethics (IoNx) exemplifies this approach—creating collaborative spaces where people that hold strongly different views can explore the challenges posed by new technologies and find common ground. In doing so, Darrell has helped model how science engagement can foster both connections to society and responsible innovation.
Darrell is also an extraordinary builder of partnerships and networks. Museums, universities, community organizations, and international research initiatives have all benefited from his ability to convene people around shared goals. He strengthens the connective tissue of the informal science learning ecosystem—developing resources, frameworks, and collaborative models that enable organizations to work together more effectively. One example is his work with the Center for Advancement of Informal Science Education (CAISE), the resource center funded by the NSF, to support the agency’s Advancing Informal STEM Learning programs. Darrell led the Center’s team to develop a metadata schema for the InformalScience.org repository that would be used by learning researchers, evaluators, and practitioners alike. This repository, along with its conceptual forerunner Howtosmile.org, a digital library focused on hands-on STEM activities, has become the standard go-to resource library for those seeking evidence-based approaches to designing informal STEM learning projects and programs. Overall, Darrell’s influence extends well beyond any single project; it can be seen in the vibrant networks of educators, researchers, and practitioners who continue to build on and benefit from the collaborations he has helped foster.
Learn more
- Darrell and his work https://dmpnext.com/
- Children’s Creativity Museum https://creativity.org/
- Howtosmile.org https://www.howtosmile.org/
- NISE Network https://www.nisenet.org/
- more photos: https://nisenet.smugmug.com/ProfessionalMeetings/ASTC-2026-Leading-Edge-Awards
About the ASTC Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Awards
The Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Awards celebrate excellence that reflects ASTC’s vision of increased understanding of and engagement with science and technology among all people to enhance lives and livelihoods, strengthen communities, and sustain the planet. In 2026, the Awards Committee also emphasized achievements related to the annual conference theme, Forward, which encourages all of us to build an ambitious path forward for our field
- 2026 Awardees: https://www.astc.org/astc-news-announcements/2026-leading-edge-award-winners/
- More about the awards: https://www.astc.org/awards
- Individual Awardees
- Rachel Hogan Carr (Nurture Nature Center – Easton, Pennsylvania)
- Darrell Porcello (Children’s Creativity Museum – San Francisco, California)
- Organizational Awardees
- Kansas Children’s Discovery Center (Topeka, Kansas)
Imagination Station (Toledo, Ohio)
ASTC 2026 Conference
Learn more about NISE Network events at the conference:
www.nisenet.org/astc2026