About Ecsite-uk

Ecsite-uk: the UK Network of Science Centres and Museums, represents over 50 science centres in the UK and a similar number of discovery centres in museums, botanic gardens, aquariums and zoos.

Ecsite-uk was set up in April 2001 to give the expanding sector a strong national voice and to be the point of reference for the work of science and discovery centres.

Science and Discovery Centres attract over 17 million visits each year. They introduce the non-specialist public to science in engaging, interactive ways.

Ecsite-uk advocates government recognition for science and discovery centres and for science as a cultural resource. It will raise the profile of science centres, and establish their role as a forum for dialogue between science specialists and the public and as an informal learning resource for learners of all ages.

The idea of a national network was developed with financial support from biomedical research charity the Wellcome Trust. It is supported by OST (The Government's Office for Science and Technology) and the Wellcome Trust. Ecsite-uk's executive office is hosted by the BA (the British Association for the Advancement of Science) in central London.

Ecsite-uk is the UK affiliate of Ecsite, the European Network of Science Centres and Museums.

Supporters

Founding Partners

Ecsite, the European Network of Science Centres and Museums
The Wellcome Trust

Continuing Partners

The BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science)
The Office of Science and Technology

Project Funders

Copus
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
Institute of Physics
NESTA
Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC)
Planet Science
The Potential Trust
The Royal Society
Royal Society of Chemistry
The Wellcome Trust