Ilan Chabay is the first Erna & Victor Hasselblad Professor of Public Learning and Understanding of Science (PLUS). He holds this newly endowed Chair jointly at Chalmers University of Technology and Göteborg University in Göteborg (Gothenburg), Sweden for a three year renewable term, which began in March, 2006. Ilan is conducting research on how the public’s ideas about science and technology are learned, processed, used, and changed. He is also the founding director of the Göteborg Center for PLUS (GC+) hosted jointly at Chalmers University of Technology and Göteborg University.

After an initial career as a research scientist, Ilan has been working for many years on science communication and public learning and understanding of science. The two strands of this work have been the creation of innovative science learning experiences, including exhibitions, games, and toys, and the implementation of new strategies to engage children and adults from diverse communities in the social issues, as well as the ideas and fun of science. He has served as an advisor and consultant to government agencies, media companies, design firms, schools, and museums worldwide.