General information

What is the Red-POP?

Red-POP is an interactive network that groups centres and programs for the popularization of science and technology in Latin America and the Caribbean, operating by means of regional co-operation mechanisms, which foster the exchange, training and use of resources among its members.

Operation of Red-POP is based on the following principles:

• Action oriented (excluding rhetoric);
   
• Action-specific: centres and programs involved in Red-POP only participate in those activities that coincide with their specific interests;
   
• Technical quality and professional soundness of Red-POP activities.

Red-POP was established in 1990, in Rio de Janeiro, inspired by UNESCO's Science, Technology and Society Program.

¿Who are members of the Red-POP?

The Members of the Red-POP are formally institutionalized science and technology popularization centers or programs that have applied for membership to the network, engaging themselves to support and promote Red-POP activities.

Presently, the Red-POP has over 70 members belonging to more than 12 Latin American countries and has relations with science and technology popularization centers in many countries throughout the world (see the Directory of Red-POP Members).

The Executive Secretariat

The Red-POP is coordinated by an Executive Secretariat. The Executive Secretariat is elected from among the directors of centers and programs by the General Assembly of Red-POP for a two-year term (that may be extended).

Financing of Red-POP's programs

The Red-POP finances its activities through contributions from member centers and programs, national, regional and international organizations, and other public and private entities.

Red-POP's activities

Red-POP activities are established in the Cooperation Program (biennal) which is discussed and approved by General Assembly at the Red-POP meetings held every two years.

The "Latin American Prize for Sciencie and Technology Popularization"

The Prize is the highest recognition awarded in the Region to a center, program or specialist for outstanding work and national and regional projection in the fields of science and technology popularization.

Its objective is to promote activities for the popularization of science and technology in Latin American and Caribbean, and to highlight efforts and undertakings that are exceptional because of their creativity, originality, rigor and impact, both at national and international level. The prize will be awarded every two years and presented at a Special Session of the General Assembly of the Red-POP.