BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE

The 'British Association' or the 'British Association for the Advancement of Science' or 'the BA' is a learned society with the object of promoting science, directing general attention to scientific matters, and facilitating interaction between scientific workers. Membership is open to all.
It was founded in 1831 by William Vernon Harcourt, after a suggestion by Sir David Brewster, who was disillusioned with the elitist and conservative attitude of the Royal Society. The first meeting was held in York on September 27 of that year. From that date a meeting was held annually at some place chosen at a previous meeting.
Ironically, perhaps the BA's most momentous influence on science was in 1878 when a committee of the BA recommended against constructing Charles Babbage's analytical engine [1]. This decision probably delayed the computer revolution by many decades.
The Association's major emphasis in recent decades has been on public engagement in science. Its annual meeting, now called the 'Festival of Science', is the largest public showcase for science in the U.K. and attracts a great deal of media attention.
In addition to the Festival of Science, the BA organises the UK National Science and Engineering Week, an opportunity for people of all ages to get involved in science, engineering and technology activities.
The Association also has a young people's programme, which seeks to involve school students in science beyond the school curriculum, and to encourage them to consider higher education and careers in science.

Contents

Recent Presidents of the BA

See also

External links

Recent Presidents of the BA

★ 2006-07: John Browne, Lord Browne of Madingley

★ 2005-06: Frances Cairncross

★ 2004-05: Professor Robert Winston, Lord Winston of Hammersmith

★ 2003-04: Dame Julia Higgins

★ 1993-94 Dame Anne McLaren

★ 1980-81: HRH the Duke of Kent

★ 1979-80: Frederick Dainton, Baron Dainton

See also

★ Café Scientifique

★ Royal Institution

★ Science Abstracts

External links

★ British Association for the Advancement of Science
Reports of the meetings 1877-90 are available on

★ Gallica