For my Presidency of the BA I have chosen as my theme sustainability through science. Our global civilisation is faced with a number of challenges on a scale unique in our history:  these will only be met through the sustainable use of natural resources, reversing environmental degradation, tackling infectious diseases and adapting against, and mitigating, the impacts of climate change.  Science and technology need to be regeared to meet these twenty-first century challenges.

Not only will science and technology be central to the ways in which humankind chooses to face these challenges but also the communication of the science involved, and the engagement of society with the issues and the strategies proposed, will be crucial for effective and concerted action.  I am therefore proud to be President of the BA at this time:  the BA is the only organisation, active throughout the UK, whose sole purpose is public engagement with science, engineering and technology.

Through all its programmes, from National Science and Engineering Week, the Science Communication Conference, the CREST Award schemes and the Festival of Science, the BA brings scientists into direct contact with people from all walks of life.  The programmes are exemplars of the ways in which governments, scientists, institutions and companies must engage with the public on the complex issues contained in my presidential theme.

The BA also works to engage young people with science and technology, particularly through the CREST award scheme.  CREST Star Investigators, the BA’s science activity award scheme for 5 – 12-year olds, has just completed its first academic year and the initial evaluation confirms that the scheme engages children in science and technology, stimulates evaluation skills, challenges children and promotes interest in science at this crucial stage in their development.  I am especially pleased that the evaluation reports that the scheme is changing the perception of science, not only by the children but also by their families: an important contribution towards ensuring the supply of scientists for the future.

Professor Sir David King KB ScD FRS, President of the BA 2007-08

The complete Annual Review for 2007-8, including a financial summary, can be downloaded Annual Review 2007-2008

Previous Annual Reviews can be downloaded here.