Never before can science have claimed so much news space as it does today.  Climate change, the human genome, space exploration, food supply, stem cell research, energy policy… the list goes on.  Issues which will all, in their different ways, affect the future of the human race, jostle in the broadcast, online and print media.  The science is complex and the societal, ethical, political and economic implications are vast.

There is a plethora of information available about science, particularly on the internet - so much that the non-scientist can be forgiven for some bewilderment.  Science communication and public engagement must therefore be mediated and facilitated with great skill.  The British Science Association is a leader in this field.  Through National Science and Engineering Week and the British Science Festival it delivers consistently high quality programmes and events which draw on the expertise of the best communicators from practitioners in all the sciences.  It can do so because of the respect that it commands across the world of science.  Its work is crucial if society is to make, in an informed way, the necessary decisions and resolutions on science-related issues for the future.

While science in Britain today is in a remarkably healthy state there are at the same time concerns about the future of science in this country.  Science education is under scrutiny.  How can we encourage enough young people to continue to take up science at degree level?  How can the supply of good scientists, so essential for these global challenges and the economic success of this country, be ensured?

Through its CREST Awards programmes, at secondary and primary level, the Association also works to provide young people with real, hands-on experience of mini science research projects.  There are of course many organisations which are working to excite enthusiasm in young people and encourage them to consider a career in science but here too the British Science Association is the leader.   CREST Awards accounted for the great majority of projects on display for the launch of the National Science and Engineering Competition at the first Big Bang – UK Scientists’ and Engineers’ Fair.  The Association manages the competition on behalf of the Department for Business Innovation and Skills, a fact which is in itself a testimony to the organisation’s strength and reputation.

Professor Sir David King , President

Annual Review 2008-09

Previous Annual Reviews can be downloaded here.

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