the-BA : BA Press Release - 20 November 2007

For immediate release
Tuesday 20 November 2007

National Science and Engineering Week offers an ideal opportunity to inspire students about science and show them that it can be fun and exciting. Funds are available to help schools organise their own science and engineering events as part of the week and it’s not too late to apply.

The BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) is continuing to coordinate the Small Grant Scheme for Schools with funds provided by DIUS (the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills) following the successful uptake in 2007. More than 300 schools around the UK were awarded grants earlier this year, using them for a variety of purposes that included internal school events such as quizzes and hands-on activities or workshops, visits to nearby science centres or museums, and science shows and talks at the school.

For schools to be eligible for a grant of up to £500 to organise an event for National Science and Engineering Week they must have a high proportion of pupils who are from either disadvantaged or black or minority ethnic backgrounds. The grant scheme has a very simple application procedure and few restrictions on how to spend the funding, so all schools really need is an idea for an event or activity to run during the week and the enthusiasm to get it off the ground.

Ian Pearson, Science and Innovation Minister, said: ‘National Science and Engineering Week is the UK’s biggest nationwide showcase for the exciting developments in science and engineering taking place in the UK today. It is also a significant event in terms of inspiring the next generation to consider studies and a career in this vital area. The UK needs skilled scientists and engineers now and in the future to remain globally competitive.

‘To support this, DIUS will again be funding this worthwhile scheme, intended to get an even wider range of schools organising their own activities during the Week. I urge all eligible schools to apply and look forward to seeing new and exciting events taking place across the country inspiring teachers, pupils and parents alike.’

Joanna Rooke, Manager of Regional Programmes at the BA, said: ‘We are delighted to be able to offer the National Science and Engineering Week Small Grant Scheme for a second year. Our feedback has shown that these small grants have been exceedingly well received by teachers and pupils alike and have been instrumental in providing exciting and engaging science experiences to pupils that would ordinarily be unable to participate.’

There are a huge number of ways in which schools can get involved with National Science and Engineering Week, which runs from 7-16 March 2008. For further ideas and support materials, including some fun hands-on activities see the National Science and Engineering Week website www.the-ba.net/nsew.

The deadline for applications is Friday 30 November 2007.

For further details and to make an online application, go to www.the-ba.net/schoolgrants. For any further queries, including general information about National Science and Engineering Week and how to get involved, please email nsew@the-ba.net or call 020 7019 4963.

National Science and Engineering Week is coordinated by the BA in partnership with the Engineering and Technology Board (ETB) and funded by DIUS. It aims to stimulate and support scientists, engineers, science communicators and the general public to produce a large range of events across the UK, in order to engage as many people as possible with science, engineering, technology and their implications.

ENDS

Images of students taking part in National Science and Engineering Week activities are available from the BA Press Office.

For further information please contact:

Lisa Hendry, Press Officer, the BA
Tel: +44 (0)20 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. For more information about the BA, please visit www.the-ba.net.

2. National Science and Engineering Week will take place from 7-16 March 2008. For more information, please visit www.the-ba.net/nsew.

3. The Engineering and Technology Board (ETB) is an independent organisation that promotes the essential role of science, engineering and technology in society. The ETB partners business and industry, government and the wider STEM community: producing evidence on the state of engineering, and inspiring young people to choose a career in engineering, matching employers’ demand for skills. For more information about the ETB please visit www.etechb.co.uk.

4. About National Science and Engineering Week

• National Science and Engineering Week is coordinated by the BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science).

• National Science and Engineering Week is funded by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS).

• Following the success in broadening the scale and scope of the programme to celebrate the vital contribution that engineering makes to society in 2007, the BA is continuing to work in partnership with the Engineering and Technology Board (ETB).

• The theme for 2008 is ‘A Question of Science’.

• During the week, events are organised throughout the UK by a large and varied range of organisations and individuals including hospitals, schools, industry and museums. Venues range from shopping centres to pubs and churches.

• National Science and Engineering Week is aimed at everyone from children and adults to decision-makers and investors and is intended to:

- engage and inspire people of all ages with science and technology and their implications,
- promote discussion and understanding of what science, engineering and technology can and cannot achieve,
- promote knowledge of the scientific method, i.e. how scientists go about their work and reach their conclusions,
- promote science, engineering and technology studies beyond the age of 16, and science, engineering and technology as career options.

• An essential feature of National Science and Engineering Week is the way it takes science to the public rather than waiting for the public to find science. The week has drawn many scientists into the public domain to discuss their work with interested audiences.

• 2007 Vital Statistics:

- over 3,000 events; from hands-on activities to discussions, tours and online activities
- over 760,000 participants at events

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