A network of science learning centres is being set up around England in an effort to make the subject more exciting.

The centres are intended to provide teachers and classroom technicians with ongoing training aimed at making science lessons more innovative.

Funding of �50m over 10 years will come from the government and the research charity the Wellcome Trust.

There will be a national centre and up to nine regional centres.

Organisations interested in setting up and running them have until February to apply, with final decisions expected next October.

The centres should be operating by 2005 at the latest.

Morale issue

The Education Secretary, Charles Clarke, said it was vital that pupils understood the importance of science and were encouraged to study science subjects after their GCSEs.

"To do this we must enhance teachers' skills to capture the excitement of science and make it relevant to pupils of all ages and abilities," he said.

"By offering high quality continuing professional development to both teachers and technicians, we will not only boost the morale and attainment levels of the profession, but will also enthuse young people into staying on to study science post-16."

The Wellcome Trust director, Mike Dexter, was with Mr Clarke at Greycoats School in Westminster, central London, to launch the scheme.

"We all agree that teachers are important role models and a source of inspiration for the subjects they teach," Dr Dexter said.

Central issue

He added: "By giving science teachers the chance to update their knowledge and skills, they will be able to pass on enthusiasm, new knowledge and fresh ideas to pupils.

"I hope that many of those pupils will then go on to follow a career in science, a career which I have found fascinating and compelling."

The chief executive of the Association for Science Education, Derek Bell, said: "As the impact of scientific developments on our lives increases, science as a core element in the education of all our pupils becomes more and more important.

"Science teaching is an exciting and challenging career and this initiative will make a significant contribution in refreshing the enthusiasm of our teachers to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing subject and to inspire their pupils.

"This is an exciting initiative which gives us the opportunity of enhancing and enriching the quality of teaching and learning in science through high quality professional development."

Mike Terry, head of science at Alexandra Park School, north London, said: "A national centre with a regional focus could be just what science teaches need in order to keep them up to date with the latest developments in science and how best to teach them."