the-BA : Young people's activities at the BA Festival of Science

If we are to engage and inspire young people with science, it is important that we listen to their hopes and concerns, argues Sir Roland Jackson, Chief Executive of the BA.

‘At the BA, we are always working to encourage scientists to engage in a dialogue with the public about science,’ says Sir Roland. ‘We believe that it is crucial to opening up science and building mutual trust. But whilst the focus in the UK and Ireland has traditionally been on dialogue with adults, it is essential that we do not neglect the views of young people.’

Sir Roland’s comments coincide with the launch of the programme of young people’s activities at the BA Festival of Science in Dublin, which will take place from 3-10 September 2005. In addition to a wide variety of hands-on demonstrations and workshops, the Festival will see a series of “BAckchat” sessions, where young people are able to share their views with some of the UK and Ireland’s leading scientists and engineers.

‘For many people, when they think of science activities for young people, they see bangs and flashes and children getting their hands dirty,’ says Sir Roland. ‘Whilst we are keen to show how science can be “fun”, the BA Festival of Science also gives young people the opportunity to speak to scientists about what matters to them.’

However, adds Sir Roland, scientists must do more than talk to the young people.

‘If we are to avoid disillusionment with science and scientists and a sense that scientific progress is out of their control, it is imperative that scientists listen and take on board their concerns.’

Feedback from over two hundred 15-19 year olds at the Esat BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition in January revealed that to those questioned, health issues take priority over climate change.

In response to the feedback, the BA scheduled a special BAckchat workshop focusing on health. Amongst the panellists who the young people will be able to discuss issues with will be Dr Barry McSweeney, Chief Science Adviser to the Irish Government.

‘As Chief Science Adviser I recognise the need to address the low take up of science amongst young people,’ says Dr McSweeney. ‘However, we cannot expect young people to engage with science if they do not see its relevance to their lives. We welcome the BA Festival of Science to Dublin, which provides opportunities for them to engage in the crucial issues and difficult questions that scientists must consider.’

Also commenting, Peter Brabazon, Programme Director of Discover Science & Engineering (DSE), one of the principal sponsors of the BA Festival of Science, said: ‘We are delighted to be associated with the BA Festival. Much of the focus nationally and internationally has been on encouraging post primary students to choose science, engineering and technology at third level; however, we are now more conscious than ever of the need to interest young people in the sciences at the earliest possible stage in their learning cycle, be that primary or indeed pre-primary. As such, many of our programmes and activities are aimed at encouraging young people to start thinking about science engineering and technology in a new light – as an exciting and fundamental part of our everyday lives, facilitating much of what we do and how we live.’

The BA Festival of Science will take place in Dublin from 3-10 September, bringing over 300 of the UK and Ireland’s top scientists and engineers to discuss the latest developments in science with the public. In addition to talks and debates at Trinity College Dublin, there will be a host of events throughout the city as part of the Festival in the City programme.

Schools should shortly be receiving copies of the programme, which is expected to book up quickly. For further information on the BA Festival of Science, including the full programme of events for young people and adults, visit the BA Festival site.

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