Science and Discovery Centres have grown rapidly in recent years and are a major part of public engagement with science in the UK. A thorough evaluation of their role in this and of their potential in delivering the government's vision for science and innovation should inform decisions on their future development.

  The UK is fortunate in having world class Science and Discovery Centres. These centres have the potential to help deliver the government's vision for science and innovation through attracting young people to science subjects and scientific careers and increased public engagement with science and technology. The centres can also offer nationally coordinated yet locally focused spaces which provide opportunities for the involvement of scientists from universities and local industry to participate directly in dialogue projects and events under the guidance of specialist staff, or advise on the content of events and exhibitions. This can create a supportive environment for scientists to engage with non-scientists, the need for which was recognised in the Royal Society (2006) report Factors affecting science communication.

  The recent Science and Innovation Investment Framework 2004-2014: Next Steps highlighted the importance of partnerships between science centres and other stakeholders such as universities, learned societies and Research Councils in demonstrating to young people some of the exciting and inspiring opportunities that studying science can lead to. Science and engineering clubs, for example, one of the commitments for Collaboration and Partnership, are already part of the UK Network of Science Centres and Museums (Ecsite-UK). However, Science and Discovery centres, and other aspects of the informal learning sector, were not considered within the recent DfES/DTI STEM programme and therefore are not currently included in plans to rationalise, evaluate and improve the many schemes and initiatives aimed at promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics to young people.

  The Society first raised concerns over the funding of Science and Discovery centres in its response to the Treasury's consultation on the 10-year framework for science and innovation in 2004, suggesting that continuing government support would be required if Science and Discovery centres are to survive long term. However, at present, evidence for their utility and impact is limited.[7] Therefore, prior to the next (2010) Comprehensive Spending Review, a rigorous, well-resourced evaluation, addressing both the impact of Science and Discovery centres on young people and the centres' role in broader public engagement, should be undertaken. This would allow informed decisions to be taken on the future development of Science and Discovery centres. We recognise, though, that there may be concerns over the immediate future of some Science and Discovery centres and would seek for these to be addressed through for, example, short-term financial support.

June 2007

REFERENCES

DTI & DfES (2006) STEM Programme Report. HMSO: London.

HM Treasury, DTI & DfES (2004) Science and Innovation Investment Framework 2004-2014. HMSO: London.

HM Treasury, DTI & DfES (2006) Science and Innovation Investment Framework 2004-2014: Next Steps. HMSO: London.

Royal Society (2004) Response to the Treasury's consultation on a 10-year investment framework for science and innovation. Royal Society: London. Available at http://www.royalsoc.ac.uk/document.asp?id=1342.

Royal Society (2006) Survey of Factors affecting science communication by scientists and engineers. Royal Society: London. Available at www.royalsoc.ac.uk/downloaddoc.asp?id=3052.