In addition to its immersive, hands-on experiences, COSI’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) programs redefine what it means to be a science museum in 2025.

COLUMBUS, OHIO, February 19, 2025 — Following a thorough nomination process and public voting, the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) has been named the #1 “Best Science Museum” and #3 “Best Planetarium” in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

“It’s an honor to be recognized as the #1 ‘Best Science Museum’ in the country by USA TODAY for the fifth time,” said COSI President and CEO Dr. Frederic Bertley. “COSI offers much more than a traditional museum experience – we enhance STEAM literacy and ignite curiosity in young minds across the globe. This achievement underscores the profound impact of these initiatives in making science accessible, engaging, and inspiring for all.”

COSI’s impact extends far beyond its walls, thanks to strategic partnerships with State Departments, US Embassies, NASA, and the White House. Encompassing an evolving set of programs and initiatives, COSI’s STEAM Education Ecosystem delivers transformative science learning experiences to underserved communities across the U.S. and worldwide.

COSI and Dr. Bertley’s commitment to science literacy has resulted in nine Emmy​​® Awards for its innovative educational programming that promotes STEAM education. These include Dr. B in 3, an animated series that teaches science concepts in under five minutes, and QED with Dr. B., a public television show featuring engaging conversations with scientists and innovators.

Since its inception in 2020, the COSI Learning Lunchbox program – COSI’s award-winning initiative designed to advance STEAM education and appreciation in K-8 schools – has demonstrated remarkable reach and impact with nearly 400,000 boxes distributed to underserved youth in more than 40 states and seven countries. These distributions are paired with Digital STEAM Portals – video players featuring Dr. B in 3 content – to ensure children receive a comprehensive learning experience.</p<

Furthermore, COSI’s Color of Science initiative invites the public to engage with remarkable STEAM professionals from diverse backgrounds, providing direct exposure to role models from underrepresented communities. By connecting the public with these leaders, the program expands awareness of STEAM career opportunities and empowers individuals from all backgrounds to pursue them.

COSI’s educational programs reach underserved communities nationwide through initiatives like the Extracurricular Intellectual Property Innovation Center (EiPiC), which helps students explore intellectual property and entrepreneurship, and the award-winning COSI Science Festival, a four-day annual event celebrating STEAM in Ohio.

COSI’s impact extends globally through partnerships with the U.S. State Department, reaching students in India, Egypt, the Arctic, the Caribbean and beyond. This March, the EiPiC initiative will expand into Italy.

“Our goal as the nation’s top science museum is to cultivate a society that values STEAM literacy, beginning with inspiring young minds everywhere, regardless of their race, religion, gender, or socioeconomic status,” concludes Bertley.

COSI has made great strides in addressing America’s STEAM workforce pipeline challenges by engaging the next generation earlier and more deeply. Its educational programs reach underserved communities nationwide through initiatives like the Extracurricular Intellectual Property Innovation Center (EiPiC), which helps students explore intellectual property and entrepreneurship, and the award-winning COSI Science Festival, a four-day annual event celebrating STEAM in Ohio.

One of its flagship initiatives, the COSI Learning Lunchbox program, has demonstrated remarkable reach and impact with nearly 400,000 boxes distributed to underserved youth in more than 40 states and seven countries since 2020. These distributions are paired with Digital STEAM Portals – video players featuring Dr. B in 3 content – 
to ensure children receive a comprehensive learning experience.

The initiative has also taken center stage in the American Innovation Kit Roadshow, a nationwide tour in partnership with the America250 initiative, celebrating the country’s 250th anniversary and inspiring conversations about the country’s future and how to address current challenges. The tour began in October at the Statue of Liberty, where hundreds of learning Lunchbox kits were distributed, and continues to visit schools in cities like Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco.

COSI’s impact extends globally through partnerships with the U.S. State Department, reaching students in India, Egypt, the Arctic, the Caribbean and beyond. Recent initiatives included collaborating with McGill University 
to distribute 400 COSI Learning Lunchboxes to Barbadian students and working with the Indigenous Kalinago People in Dominica to provide 300 Learning Lunchboxes to local children. 

Moreover, the EiPIC initiative is expanding globally, with programs set for 2025 in Egypt, India, and Italy.

In recognition of his innovative leadership and the measurable impact of these programs, President and CEO Dr. Frederic Bertley was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in 2024 from McGill University, his alma mater.

“The future of STEAM depends on empowering every individual, regardless of background, to see themselves 
as part of the solution,” concludes Bertley. “At COSI, we’re proud to be a catalyst in that journey – fostering innovation, driving exploration, and opening doors for the next generation of creators and leaders.”

COSI, ranked “#1 Science Museum in the Country” for four consecutive years as voted by USA TODAY’s 10Best, is an esteemed science center that has delighted Central Ohio with all things science for 60 years, inspiring interest in science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) topics and delivering our experiential, “hands-on fun” brand of learning. COSI has been awarded nine Emmys for its effective science communication television and video productions impacting science literacy for people of all ages. As a trusted educational resource for families, schools, and community partners, COSI is an essential element of our regional, national and international communities, engaging millions of people annually through onsite, offsite, and online experiences.