Opening up science to the public
The Darwin Centre
The Darwin Centre is an internationally respected institution for scientific research. Uniquely, the Centre is also a major public attraction. Tours are provided twice an hour through the laboratories of the Centre, and the public is encouraged to speak with scientists at free talks and discussions that occur at least daily.
The Centre houses more than 70 million specimens, including some collected by Charles Darwin himself during his expedition in HMS Beagle. The magnificently preserved specimens include many plants and animals that have been stored for hundreds of years. The public has currently seen only 1% of the Centre's collection; by 2007, the Centre hopes to have up to 80% of their collection available to the public.
Charles Darwin published his most famous work, Origin of the Species, for non-scientists. In that spirit, the Centre seeks to bring science to the public, providing an opportunity that is truly unique in the scientific world. It is obvious when taking the tour that the Centre is very much a real working research laboratory. More than 350 Scientists and researchers work at the Centre, and if you stand around long enough, you will be sure to meet a few.
Submitted by: A. Wallen, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 20 January 2007
