The BSA believes all young people have a right to have their voice heard in discussions over science’s role in their lives, communities, and society at large.

Despite this, research undertaken by the BSA in 2017 found that young people do not feel able to have their say on the issues affecting their future.

We created the Future Forums format (facilitated workshops, plus guest 
speakers on the topic) to empower young people to share their views
and discuss innovative solutions to the challenges facing their communities,
society and the world around them.

Our pilot event was run in partnership with Affinity Sutton and
Oxfam, and explored the issues of the future of cities, innovation
and inequality. 

Download the report

In 2019, we ran four Future Forums (in Glasgow, Gateshead, Bury St
Edmunds and Lambeth), funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI),
to understand the views of young people on the four 'Grand Challenges'
from the Government’s modern Industrial Strategy(AI & Data, Ageing
Society, Clean Growth, and Future of Mobility).

This report gives an insight into the project, and their thoughts on the
topics. 

Download the report

Future Forums in 2020 were funded by the Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, with the aim to start a conversation between young people and researchers about genetic research – current and future – and its potential social impact.

The workshops focused on three main areas: COVID-19, genetics research and medical data processing. The full report will be available in 2021.

For more information on the Future Forum programme and youth voice work at the BSA, please get in touch with the BSA team at [email protected]