Branching Out!
The current network of British Science Association branches is undergoing rapid development, with new groups springing up all over the country thanks to the proactive and engaging regional teams. Already this year the teams have brought together a throng of enthusiastic volunteers and driven forward plans to establish a number of new branches.
The large numbers of events taking place nationally every year are a key part of the work done by the regional branches of British Science Association. These events vary hugely in format and topic to ensure that there is something for everyone. So far this year we have seen events ranging from a recent lecture on 'A plant for all seasons' at the botanic gardens in Newcastle and an evening of cocktails and chemistry in a top London venue to a planned night of rock guitar and physics in a student union.
Why would you want to get involved with a British Science Association branch?
Aside from being a very rewarding experience, it’s also a great way to meet people who share your interests and a fun way to develop valuable skills (including communication, presentation and organisational skills). Branches are flexible and roles can be developed within them to suit your experiences and interests.
'I get the chance to be creative in coming up with ideas to get people involved with science who wouldn’t naturally think it was relevant to them. I also love the fact that I get to learn new facts in areas of science I don’t usually work in – it’s very refreshing to see the bigger picture especially because when you’re working in research it’s easy to get completely lost in your own tiny little corner of science. Finally, I really enjoy communicating with people and that’s the whole idea behind the branch and the British Science Association!' - Amy Bilton, Northumbria Branch Volunteer
'I love science and I want other people to love it too. I enjoy making science interesting to people and this is the perfect way to do that.' - Kath Allen, Merseyside Branch Volunteer
New Recruits
In the North of England we currently have three groups which are either new or relaunching. The Manchester Twig (offshoot from the NW branch) has already held one successful meeting with eager volunteers from across the city. The newly formed committee are now beavering away on plans for Manchester Science Festival in October.
We are hoping for similar success at the relaunch of the West Yorks branch in Leeds this summer and Blackburn is due to be hosting the first meeting of the East Lancashire branch in June.
For more information about any of these branches please contact Natalie Lane - Regional Officer, North of England. (natalie.lane@britishscienceassociation.org)
This year we have also launched 4 new branches in the South of England – Plymouth, Oxfordshire, Thames Valley and the Central London branch. Whilst still establishing themselves in their local areas, they have all begun putting on a wide-range of events and activities.
Most notably, the Plymouth branch’s launch event attracted media attention from local newspapers and BBC Radio. Entitled ‘The Science Behind Everything’, the exhibition drew in over 200 visitors during the afternoon and allowed families to find out about a wide range of topics including conservation, nanotechnology, genetic engineering and water.
The Central London branch has taken a slightly different approach, with their events focussing on creating a medium for dialogue; their novel monthly popular science book group features the author discussing their latest novel in a coffee shop setting, with plenty of opportunities for questions and discussion.
Other events across the region include discussing the science of film in Reading, science cafes in Bristol, Oxford and Reading, and regular lectures across London.
We have many opportunities for new branch members all across the South, including in two new branches launching later this year in Milton Keynes and Southampton.
If you would like to get involved with one of these branches please get in touch with Tom McKenzie, Regional Officer - South of England. (tom.mckenzie@britishscienceassociation.org)
There are also plans coming together in Wales for a North West Wales branch, but more on this later in the year! And last but by no means least, a Cambridgeshire branch is due to launch this summer. It will be based in Cambridge and aim to run a series of events in and around the city. They are currently looking for enthusiastic new branch volunteers, so if you are interested please contact the Regional Programmes Assistant, Natalie Broadhurst (natalie.broadhurst@britishscienceassociation.org).
