Penny Fidler lays out the options

Across the UK every year, millions of people are being brought together in over 50 centres to explore and discover the amazing world of science. Scientists are talking with the public about their research. Science teachers are exploring ways to invigorate their teaching in schools. Classes of teenagers are working with industrial partners to use high-tech equipment. Public attitudes are being collected and shared with advisory bodies such as the Human Genetics Commission.

This is the work of the UK science and discovery centres, where visitors are encouraged to discover, test, explore and question with the aim of igniting their interest in science. Although these centres are highly regarded by teachers, families, universities and our leading science and engineering industries, the future of science centres in England is under threat as these independent charities struggle to be self-financing.

Funding models

Within the UK, the Scottish government has an impressive funding model contributing £7 million over three years to the Scottish Science Centre Network. Both the Welsh Assembly and Northern Ireland Assembly play a role in the financial support of their science centres. In England, science centres have received capital and short-term funding, but no on-going funding.

This situation is unusual in a global sense where operating expenses for science centres are sourced as follows: 28 per cent from public funds, 23 per cent from private funds (for example, corporations and individuals), four per cent from endowments and 45 per cent from earned income.

In the United States, 24 per cent of operating costs come from public funds. In Europe there is widespread government backing for science centres and in China the government has embarked on a major science centre building programme. 
 
Many people outside the field are often surprised to learn that the admission charge covers only 30-60 per cent of operational costs

How to survive

Science centres in the UK are highly regarded overseas, and many foreign governments have sought UK expertise when developing their own.

Many people outside the field are often surprised to learn that the admission charge covers only 30-60 per cent of operational costs. To survive, science centres have a diverse portfolio of additional revenue generators including conference and banqueting businesses, hosting launches and media events, retail and catering and hiring indoor and outdoor spaces.

Several science centres in city locations obtain a substantial proportion of revenue from their car parks. Other centres have property investments. The Centre for Life in Newcastle achieves rental incomes from bioscience companies on-site, and other businesses.

However, science centres are places where people learn, become inspired and enjoy discovering new things. Other such institutions, such as schools, museums, libraries and universities are rarely self-financing, particularly if they also aim to reach diverse audiences.

Government research

In January 2008, the government responded to the Science and Technology Committee’s Report on the funding of science and discovery centres. Although no funding was pledged, we welcome the commitment from DIUS (Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills) to commission independent research early in 2008 to establish the effectiveness of science centres in helping the government to meet science learning and engagement goals.(1)

We are confident in the work we do as a sector and believe we offer excellent value for money as places where our nation’s children, students, teachers, families and others can be truly inspired by science, spending time with experts engaging in science in its widest context.

What Ecsite-uk can do

Ecsite-uk is the coordinating body of science centres across the UK. We need to take a number of steps to further enhance the networking and sharing of best practice amongst them. We should also continue to improve the sharing of ideas with centres around the world, including the European science centre network (ECSITE) of which we are an integral part. (2)

Science centres in the UK are already lean machines, but there will be lessons to learn from one another and from commercial visitor attractions willing to share their knowledge. We also need to collect more detailed information about UK science centres so that we can learn from each other’s successes, and to encourage centres to join standardised visitor attraction assessment exercises. Much of this is underway and DIUS should be credited for choosing to fund part of this.

We believe the UK’s science centres and museums represent an extraordinary resource for the future of science in this country. As a network with a physical infrastructure and millions of visitors each year, they are uniquely positioned to foster scientific entrepreneurship and a genuine and long-lasting sense of excitement in science with people of all ages in all parts of the UK. 

References

(1) The Select Committee and Government reports can be found at www.ecsite-uk.net/select-committee
(2) See www.ecsite.net/new/

Dr Penny Fidler was appointed as the Director of Ecsite-uk in September 2007