Sir

You have reported criticisms of the new science centre, Explore at Bristol (Nature 400, 801 & 804; 1999; see also response from Gillian Thomas, Nature 401, 111–112; 1999). There is currently a great deal of public criticism about aspects of medical research which needs to be addressed by those involved. The Wellcome Trust spends about £400 million (US$640 million) a year on research, and has committed roughly £34 million of this to science centres and museums in the United Kingdom, including Bristol. Why?

It is crucial to explain to the public the excitement of medical research and its potential benefits without ignoring its social impact and implications. The Wellcome Trust supports initiatives such as Explore at Bristol precisely because they aim to go beyond the traditional ‘hands-on’ approach to explore the wider context within which biomedical science develops.

Traditional ‘hands-on’ science centres barely touch modern science or biomedicine, and the social context is ignored altogether. Although hands-on exhibits are powerful learning tools, they are not necessarily the best way to tackle modern biology or the social issues raised by the human genome project, for example. Yet the general public has to be informed about the place of science in society if it is to trust science and scientists.

This task is by far the most important facing the scientific community at present and the new science centres will be crucial in this regard. There may indeed be teething troubles, not least owing to the very short timescales over which these huge projects have had to develop. But the Wellcome Trust's interest is long term, not only helping to build on the solid foundations of past innovation, but also aiming to experiment with new directions.