the-BA : Walter Bodmer Award 2008

The Edinburgh and SE Scotland Branch Founding Committee

Nigel Over, a dedicated and inspirational volunteer from West Lothian, Scotland, has been named Volunteer of the Year by the BA. He has received the Sir Walter Bodmer Award for Volunteers in recognition for giving thousands of people – adults and children – the chance to participate in diverse and engaging science activities, and for the contribution he has made to the BA during 25 years of involvement. The announcement comes during Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June).

The award is given annually by the BA to a dedicated volunteer or group of volunteers in recognition of the great value and impact of its volunteers. Nigel will attend the BA Festival of Science in Liverpool this September to collect his award.

‘Nigel is extremely deserving of this award, and we would like to thank him for all his efforts over the years,’ says Roland Jackson, Chief Executive of the BA. ‘He is a marvellous example of how our large network of volunteers around the UK helps us to develop links with local communities and reach a wide audience of all ages. Without enthusiastic individuals such as Nigel we could not hope to achieve even a fraction of what we currently do.’

Nigel’s involvement with the BA began 25 years ago thanks to encouragement from his Physics teachers. Since then his contributions have had a big impact across the organisation.

He helped to organise the first ever day aimed at Young Scientists in the West Midlands by the BA over 20 years ago; co-founded the BA’s History of Science Section in 1989 – holding key positions within its committee for eleven years; and played a key part in the development of the Edinburgh and South-East Scotland Branch of the BA in 2003, where he served as the first Chairman; all the while helping the BA to reach new audiences and achieve its aim of connecting people with science.

‘I have been privileged to be involved in many exciting initiatives and developments within the BA,’ comments Nigel.

‘I was one of the proud co-founders of the History of Science Section. Having studied manufacturing engineering at university, I was always curious as to how and why things have come about, with a strong belief that we need to understand history and development in order to advance the scientific and engineering disciplines. A number of people from a wide variety of interests and different disciplines came together to make the new Section a success, and I am really pleased that it continues to thrive through the efforts of the current committee.

‘Later, in 2003, I took a leading role in the creation of the Edinburgh and South-East Scotland Branch of the BA, thanks to the encouragement of Fiona Selkirk. A major focus of the Branch has been to take science to the audience, rather than the other way around, and this has led to hugely successful events such as Stem Cell Debate in the shopping malls of Edinburgh.’

The Edinburgh and SE Scotland Branch has upheld the tradition of diversity and collaborative partnership working that sits at the foundation of the BA. Nigel says he was overwhelmed that the British Antarctic Survey and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office approached the Branch to become partner of choice for the organisation and delivery of a two-week public engagement programme to coincide with the 27th International Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting held in Edinburgh in 2006. Thanks to a little imagination, a lot of enthusiasm and effort, and wide support from the science organisations in and around Edinburgh, the programme was a huge success.

‘Every major science centre and organisation in the city had their part to play in Discover Antarctica!’ says Nigel. ‘With over 25 organisations involved in delivering more than 20 events, we reached participation levels approaching 27,000 over the 12 days of the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting. This to me is the BA at its best; bringing volunteers together to deliver significant events of a diverse nature that has something to offer to everyone.’

Nigel wishes to thank all of the people who have helped him: ‘It is an immense privilege to receive the Sir Walter Bodmer Award for 2008. All of my achievements in the BA could not have been possible without the support, encouragement and cooperation of the many volunteers and staff members with whom I have come in contact with, and I will be accepting this award as much for them as for myself.’

Find out more about volunteering for the BA and regional events and activities in your area.

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