I am writing as Vice-Chancellor and Warden of Durham University. Durham University is a leader in engagement between world-scientists and the local communities, particularly the diverse and often deprived communities in the North East of England.

  Science Centres unquestionably provide a strong interface between Universities and the community. Much information about our research is disseminated through such Science Centres which can attract the general public in ways that the University cannot.

  For example, the new multi-million pound exhibition at the Centre for Life in Newcastle, which I helped open recently, has had scientists from three Departments in Durham, Earth Sciences, Biological Sciences and Anthropology, working on designing and putting science into the exhibits.

  We would not have been able to reach this number of members of the public without the good offices of the Centre for Life. I could point to other examples with other Centres, for example the partnership between Durham University and the Science Learning Centre which we have helped establish at Framwellgate School and is now of national prominence.

  Similarly, Science Centres can help bring young people into the University informally, helping to arrange visits to see "high end" facilities and exhibits which only Universities have. In addition, in encouraging children to take up science and participate in small research projects could be put on which we hope, will ultimately lead to some of them choosing to study science at University.

  In short, there is no question that Universities such as Durham which pride itself in public engagement could not achieve this without partnering closely with Science Centres providing an interface between academics and the general public, facilitating interactions in both directions.

  Indeed, I do not believe that Science Centres can be truly effective without such partnering either.