An independent report assessing the impact of science and discovery centres has concluded that there is not enough hard evidence to justify government funding for them.
Assessing the Impact of Science Centres in England, which was commissioned by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills, found "a disappointingly low amount of evaluative evidence for both science centres and comparator programmes".
Based on the lack of data, the report concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support a case for government funding, and recommended that the quality of data provided by organisations that are funded by the department should be significantly improved.
Penny Fidler, director of the UK Association for Science and Discovery Centres, said: "We believe that inspiring and engaging people of all ages and all backgrounds with the wonders of science and innovation is fundamental to the economic, social and environmental future of our nation.
"Science and discovery centres work day in, day out to achieve this goal. As such, we are of course disappointed that the UK government has not, at this time, taken a strategic long-term view to fund our centres."
The report said that data collected could include the number of participants and satisfaction ratings.
A department for business statement said that in light of the report and the economic climate, the government could not justify a new funding stream for science centres.
Assessing the Impact of Science Centres in England, which was commissioned by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills, found "a disappointingly low amount of evaluative evidence for both science centres and comparator programmes".
Based on the lack of data, the report concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support a case for government funding, and recommended that the quality of data provided by organisations that are funded by the department should be significantly improved.
Penny Fidler, director of the UK Association for Science and Discovery Centres, said: "We believe that inspiring and engaging people of all ages and all backgrounds with the wonders of science and innovation is fundamental to the economic, social and environmental future of our nation.
"Science and discovery centres work day in, day out to achieve this goal. As such, we are of course disappointed that the UK government has not, at this time, taken a strategic long-term view to fund our centres."
The report said that data collected could include the number of participants and satisfaction ratings.
A department for business statement said that in light of the report and the economic climate, the government could not justify a new funding stream for science centres.
