The Royal Institution has joined Science Centres For Our Future, a campaign led by the UK Association for Science and Discovery Centres (ASDC) calling on the Government to set up an Emergency Resilience Fund. The fund would secure the futures of the UK’s national network of over 40 science centres, of which the Ri is part. Without urgent funding, many of us are at risk due to the measures we have had to take during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Ri exists to inspire everyone to think more deeply about science and its place in our lives. Never has our mission felt more relevant than in today’s world. We are a small independent charity and receive no core government funding. Our income from ticket sales and venue hire has been significantly reduced and will continue to fall. Most of our staff are on furlough because we urgently need to minimise the debt we are now building.
We support the ASDC’s call for a £25 million Emergency Resilience Fund from the Government. By championing science centres we will save 40 vital community resources, 1000s of jobs, millions of annual visits and billions of individual science discoveries.
Please join us in calling for Science Centres For Our Future.
You can support the campaign in two valuable steps:
- Write to your local MP asking them to support the call for this Emergency Resilience Fund. You can download a template letter on the ASDC campaign website.
- Spread the word on social media using the hashtag #ScienceCentresForOurFuture.
Scientist and former Christmas Lecturer, Professor Alice Roberts, is leading the campaign on social media. Prof Roberts says, ‘Science education is crucial – and science centres are brilliant places for hands-on learning. At this very difficult time, they need government support to keep going’.
Post your favourite memories of trips to science centres like the Ri and engage with others’ stories to amplify our message.