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Brussels, 19 Jun 2003

EUSCEA, the European science events association, has urged EU Member State governments to increase their moral and financial support for science communication events.

In a statement issued on 16 June, EUSCEA highlights the important function that science communications events can have in generating interest and fascination for science among the general public.

'Evaluations of these events show a subsequent effect in enthusing and exciting young people and increasing the level of dialogue on scientific issues in the communities they serve. Science weeks and science festivals are thus effective ways of recruiting a new generation of scientists and maintaining European welfare in the future,' claims EUSCEA.

While Europe is by far the most active player in science events, in comparison with other regions of the world, EUSCEA says that more could be done to reflect Europe's commitment to its scientific base. 'Following the 2002 Barcelona declaration that three per cent of GDP should be devoted to scientific research, it is essential that funding for science communication events reflects this initiative,' argues EUSCEA.

For further information about EUSCEA, please visit the following web address: