It’s been a great year for British Science Association branch volunteers. The hard work, ingenuity and dedication of our volunteers have allowed the branches to achieve some great things. We’ve seen science speed dating in London, new SciBars and a film festival in Cambridge, a huge “Science in the Park” event in Nottingham, a whole host of regional British Science Festival events in Scotland and much more.

The dedication of our volunteers was recognised at this year’s British Science Festival with no less than three awards. The Sir Walter Bodmer Award for volunteer of the year went to Science Braninwaves, the new Sheffield-based branch, for their collective achievements over their 3 year history. The awarding committee gave a special mention to Tacita Nye, the branch’s outgoing chair, for the huge amount of effort and dedication demonstrated over the past year to ensure the success of the Branch.

Dr Ian Chapman of the Tayside and Fife Branch was awarded a special long service award in recognition of his many achievements over 30 years of volunteering with the Association, whilst Dr Eric Albone of the Bristol and Bath Branch was one of nine new honorary fellowships nominated at the Festival Dinner. The Fellowships are awarded to people who have made an outstanding contribution to the aims and vision of the British Science Association through public engagement and the promotion of science in society.