New science web site for public

A new internet site was launched last week to improve public knowledge of publicly-funded research projects and to promote informed debate. Science City currently features about 100 research projects but aims to cover almost all newly funded projects across the ranges of science, engineering and technology within three years. The project descriptions will be written by a team of science writers headed by the Science City Editor Michael Kenward, formerly editor of the New Scientist. Science City's director, Peter Healey, said 'UK Science and Technology spends £6.5b of public money each year. The funding system should be open and transparent so that the public knows what the money buys.' He also added that the as well as informing the public of the applications of research results, when the science is more controversial, 'it's important that everyone has a chance to inform themselves about different positions in the debate and the information and ideas behind them.'