MPs to debate the Impact of Science and Discovery Centres on national science and technology priorities

  • Published: 7 Jan 2026

The Association for Science and Discovery Centres campaign Science Centres For Our Future secures Westminster Hall debate to discuss the future of the UK’s science and discovery centres, taking place at 2.30pm - 4pm on Wednesday 14th January, 2026.

We’re pleased to announce a key milestone for the Science Centres For Our Future campaign, with a 90-minute Westminster Hall debate set to take place on Wednesday 14th January, 2.30-4pm. Steve Witherden MP who represents Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr, where ASDC member the Centre for Alternative Technology is based, has secured this debate: Impact of Science and Discovery Centres on national science and technology priorities.

The debate will focus on the Science Centres For Our Future campaign, and is set to see MPs from across the political spectrum and all four nations of the UK, urging Ministers to work with our sector to:

  1. Recognise science and discovery centres - Government should formally recognise science centres as part of the UK’s scientific and cultural ecosystem, either through expanding eligibility to existing funding pots, or by creating a dedicated science engagement fund.
  2. Address science centres’ urgent capital needs - Provide £19.5m of public funding, match-funded by £19.5m from centres, to address immediate infrastructure risks.
  3. Establish a long-term capital renewal fund - Provide £12m/year for five years (again to be match funded by centres), to secure the sector’s future at the cutting edge of STEM engagement.

These recommendations have widespread support among stakeholders and the public. More than 3,100 leading scientists, academics, business leaders, and educators signed an Open Letter backing the recommendations which was formally delivered to Ministers in November 2025.

Further information about the campaign: https://future.sciencecentres.org.uk/

The debate will be live streamed on the Parliament Live website https://www.parliamentlive.tv/Commons

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