Science shops and alike organisations mediate or perform research in all disciplines from sociology to chemistry, largely on behalf of civil society organisations - for whom the research is often cross subsidised or even free of charge. Many existing science shops are linked to or based in universities, where research is done by students under the supervision of science shop staff and other associated (university) staff. However, many initiatives not linked to universities - such as community based research centres - are similar to science shops and do the same type of work. Despite their different names and differences in operation and organisation, basic principles and goals are comparable. Through this type of extension and support activity, science shops attempt to create access to science, knowledge and technology for social groupings that would not or could not ordinarily interact with these disciplines.

Over the last few years international interest in the science shop model has developed, and similar organisations have been established in a wide range of countries.

• TRAMS was a project (2005-2008) in the 6th Framework Programme. The project is financially supported by the Directorate Science and Society
• In February 2003 the EC funded project ISSNET (2003-2005) (Improving Science Shop Networking) started. It is financially supported by the Raising Public Awareness Programme in the 5th Framework Programme of the  European Commission. 
• In January 2002 Interacts (Improving Interaction between NGOs, Universities and Science Shops) was launched. Interacts is supported by the STRATA programme of the European Commission (5th Framework Program) as an accompanying measure of the international science shop network.
• March 2000 saw the start of a project (2000-2001) supported by the STRATA programme of the European Commission. The project SCIPAS (Study and Conference on Improving Public Access to Science through science shops) provided  seven studies and a conference on science shops.