The British Science Association (BSA) provides opportunities for all people to enjoy, explore, investigate and discuss science and it has a wonderful new mission: ‘A society where science is a part of, not set apart from, society and culture’. Historically, going back to 1831, the BSA used to hold annual meetings and it was at these meetings that the major scientific advances were announced. In 2005, these annual meetings became ‘Festivals’, spanning a number of days and open to anyone who is interested to learn about cutting-edge research in science, engineering and technology. Alongside the main Festival programme, there are events aimed at families and schools.
The annual Festival is, indeed, the BSA’s premier programme and is one of Europe’s largest celebration of science, engineering and technology. It has been held in many cities around the UK, including York, Liverpool, Birmingham, Aberdeen and Swansea, the most southerly of these being held in Surrey in 2009. So, it is very pleasing that, in 2017, the British Science Association Festival is coming to the south coast, co-hosted by our University and University of Sussex!
The Festival will provide a fantastic opportunity for the scientists in our two institutions to highlight the amazing research happening in Brighton. There will also be Nobel Prize winners, TV personalities, top researchers, family-friendly presenters and entertainers from around the country who will share their passion for science with the public.
Professor Andrew Lloyd has led our bid and I, for one, know how competitive the bidding process and selection is. I know because my previous institution also applied to host it with what was regarded as a strong bid. So, many congratulations to Andrew and others who supported him! Of course, just like a research bid, the joy of securing the award is almost immediately followed by a realisation of the enormity of what needs to be done to deliver the project! As a University, we are committed to public and community engagement, and this commitment is recognised through such awards, through our performance in REF, and through the fact that many institutions from across the globe regularly visit us to see how we do it. So, I have absolutely no doubt that Andrew will be supported by everyone as he starts planning for this event in collaboration with the University of Sussex.
You can be involved in number of ways and, naturally, I will expect our researchers to nominate themselves to present their research. But, whether presenting or attending, the 5-9th of September 2017 will be a very special week!
On a final note, I am delighted that Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell will be the next president of BSA. With 185 presidents to date and only 9 female presidents, there is some serious catching up to do on that front!