It is an idea that has been partially built into the new Wellcome Wing at the Science Museum and the recently opened Darwin Centre at the Natural History Museum - both of which have high-turnover exhibits and bring the public into direct contact with scientists.

BBC: NEWS | Science/Nature | Centre opens for X-rated science

Before meeting with the President, in an award ceremony today at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Science and Technology Advisor John Holdren conferred the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) to the 96 outstanding researchers.

WHITEHOUSE: Browse White House visitor logs