Stuart Monro argues it should

At the heart of the UK’s economic development are its people and their skills. In the 21st century, engaging with science is not only important for those wishing to pursue a science career, but for all responsible citizens who are required to understand and make decisions on many of the major issues of the day.

This was recognised by the Millennium Commission who funded capital projects throughout the UK, many of them science-based. This funding set up a number of world-leading science and discovery centres, but did not contribute their on-going revenue. Each centre was expected to be self-sustaining. The experience worldwide is that no science centre can survive without some public funding.

Science is part of culture

Of course we would never dream of allowing our art galleries and museums to operate as independent commercial enterprises. Why: because they are part of the cultural infrastructure of the nation.

But is not science part of the nation’s culture? Has it not contributed to the economic well-being of the nation in the past and is it not contributing to our well-being now and in the future? Do we not need to engage the citizens of the 21st century with the science that affects all our lives? The answer is, of course, yes. Engagement with science needs to be part of the strategy for any government who see the UK’s future as a knowledge-based economy.

Scottish example

In June 2004, Ministers in Scotland decided to provide £5.1 million over two years for the four Scottish science centres. Funding subsequently stabilised over the 2006/7 and 2007/8 periods at £3.7 million. The critical statement is that £3.7 million per year investment was protecting a £130 million investment and engaging over 700,000 people with science. Look at it from a UK-wide perspective, and 19.5 million visitors are engaging with science. Investment in science centres that inspire children and adults with science by making it a fun and exciting experience represents good value for money in securing a vibrant economic future.

Science centres as magnets

Critical too is a funding mechanism which helps science and discovery centres move towards greater sustainability, opening up revenue streams into formal education and supporting the delivery of science to the wider community. There is also a responsibility on the science and discovery centres themselves to act as catalysts and hubs for a wide range of activity, ‘magnets for public engagement’. They need to operate collaboratively developing strong networks and partnerships. All this can be achieved if the investment made in the last decade is protected by appropriate core funding.

Mirroring cutting-edge research

The delivery of science in a fun and entertaining framework is the business of science centres. But while they strive to diversify income streams, they cannot be entirely commercial enterprises. They have a science engagement mission to follow and need the support of government to deliver this and to mirror to the public the cutting-edge science done in our universities and research establishments.

If science and discovery centres are left to sink or swim in the shifting tide of market forces, then the future of the nation’s children and the science literacy of its citizens will be put in jeopardy.

Professor Stuart Monro OBE is 
Scientific Director of Our 
Dynamic Earth and a board 
member of Ecsiteuk