Clash of the titans

A row has erupted between the Science Museum and the Royal Institution over plans to develop science communication centres in London. An article in Nature reports on the clash, which came about when Susan Greenfield, director of the Royal Institution, announced plans to establish a 'science media centre' aimed at facilitating communication between scientists and the public, by means of journalists.

The announcement came as a surprise to the Science Museum, which is soon to announce a similar project, due to open in 2003. The venture, to be housed in a new building, will provide an opportunity for the public to gain access to scientists and their work. Despite criticism from members of the science communication field, Susan Greenfield insisted that there is no reason that both projects cannot go ahead as planned.