1.  We regard Science and Discovery Centres as key means of public engagement and education in respect of science and the scientific underpinning of key issues facing society.

  2.  There are a number of Science and Discovery Centres in North East England, of various forms and scales. We believe that the most successful of these have made an important contribution to our overall objectives of raising awareness and interest in science as key aspects of modern life, and as a vital basis of our economy. We will seek to build on these existing Centres in our future plans.

  3.  The Centre for Life, located in Newcastle upon Tyne, is a new type of science and discovery centre. It combines permanent and temporary exhibitions and interactive educational entertainment, with an extensive programme of lectures, debates and workshops, and a schools programme. Importantly, these facilities are co-located with research laboratories, NHS clinical activity, and business incubators.

  4.  These facilities have been the location for major breakthroughs in science, particularly in the area of Stem Cells. The proximity of such world leading science with education and public engagement activities has raised the awareness and motivation of school students and the wider public.

  5.  Moreover, Genetics and Stem Cells sciences were and are potentially subject to considerable controversy. The Centre for Life has enabled extensive public education and debate on these subjects, including the ethical and moral dimensions. Such activities have contributed considerably to the successful development of these sciences and related clinical applications.

  6.  Other Science and Discovery Centres in the region are of a more traditional type, and are linked to publicly funded museums and similar facilities. Future investment plans, for example with the Great North Museum project, will improve the quality and attraction of these facilities.

  7.  Funding such Centres requires both extensive capital funding and regular ongoing investment to keep the content fresh and exciting. Operating costs are difficult to cover from entrance fees and similar, and further sponsorship and public funding is therefore required.

  8.  One NorthEast with partners is seeking to expand the number and range of Science and Discovery Centres in North East England, as part of an integrated approach to developing science and innovation as key features of the regional economic development. Such Centres will seek to increase understanding and awareness of particular sciences and technologies, and the appreciation of potential employment opportunities. Planned Centres include Process Industries, Renewable Energy and Energy Management and Design.

  9.  There are considerable opportunities for a more structured approach to integrating a range of public funding, including mainstream school funding, with sponsorship and charitable foundation funding. This could be undertaken on a more structured basis, avoiding unnecessary fund raising activity by individual Centres.

June 2007