the-BA : BA Press Release - 15 January 2008

For Immediate Release
15 January 2008

The BA Festival of Science, which brings over 350 of the UK’s top scientists to discuss the latest developments in science with the public at a different UK location each year, will be coming to Liverpool from 6-11 September 2008. The University of Liverpool will host the Festival as the city takes on its status as European Capital of Culture.

Sir Roland Jackson, Chief Executive of the BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science), said: ‘We are honoured to be invited to hold the Festival in Liverpool when it becomes European Capital of Culture in 2008. Science is a vital part of our culture, and it is appropriate that it plays a significant part in Liverpool’s celebrations.’

Professor Drummond Bone, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool, and a member of the Liverpool Culture Company Board, said: ‘As a leading international centre of excellence in science and engineering, we are delighted by the selection of the University of Liverpool for the BA Festival of Science 2008 - particularly as it will coincide with Liverpool's year as European Capital of Culture.

‘For more than a century, the BA has been the nation's principal forum for the discussion of topical scientific issues. We look forward to a successful Festival that will further confirm Liverpool as a major international contributor to the development of science.’

Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive of the Northwest Development Agency (NWDA), said: ‘England’s Northwest has a strong tradition of scientific excellence. I am delighted that the BA Festival of Science is returning to England’s Northwest in 2008. Alongside Liverpool’s status as European Capital of Culture, the BA Festival of Science 2008 will help to position the city, and the Northwest, as a driver for innovation, a magnet for talent and investment.’

Kris Donaldson, Acting Chief Executive of the Liverpool Culture Company, said: ‘The Festival will provide us all with the opportunity to explore, question and celebrate science as integral to the cultural makeup of our society. It will provide communities of all types with an invaluable opportunity to participate in active discussion about the role that science and innovation plays in our lives, to explore our future possibilities and celebrate our past achievements.’

At the Festival, there will be a wide variety of events – from hands-on family days, to debates on current hot topics and unique opportunities to question the UK’s top scientists. Among the many activities, there will be opportunities to find out how Liverpool’s maritime traditions have influenced medicine and migration and to examine the issues surrounding the future of our planet.

There will also be a chance to meet the man who has explored some of the most inhospitable parts of it, Sir Ranulph Fiennes – described by the Guinness Book of Records as ‘the world’s greatest living explorer’ and to quiz the UK’s premier fertility expert and TV personality, Professor Robert Winston. For more information about the Festival visit www.the-ba.net/festivalofscience.

This year’s BA Festival of Science is organised by the BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) in partnership with the University of Liverpool. It is supported by the Department for Innovation, Universities & Skills, the Liverpool Culture Company and the Northwest Regional Development Agency.

END

For further information please contact:

Lisa Hendry, Press Officer, the BA
Tel: 020 7019 4946
Email: lisa.hendry@the-ba.net

Note for editors

1. The BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) is the UK's nationwide, open membership organisation that exists to advance the public understanding, accessibility and accountability of the sciences and engineering. Established in 1831, the BA organises major initiatives across the UK, including National Science and Engineering Week, the annual BA Festival of Science, programmes of regional and local events, and an extensive programme for young people in schools and colleges. The BA also organises specific activities for the science communication community in the UK through its Science in Society programme. For more information about the BA, please visit www.the-ba.net.

2. The BA Festival of Science is the UK’s largest science festival, attracting over 350 speakers and thousands of visitors, and has been taking place since 1831. For further information, visit www.the-ba.net/festivalofscience.

3. Since 1831, the Festival has been held in Liverpool seven times, in 1837, 1854, 1870, 1896, 1923, 1953 and 1982. The 1982 Festival provided Stephen Hawking with his first ever opportunity to speak in a public environment with a live public audience.

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