the-BA : BA Press Release - 14 August 2006

In March 2007, The BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) is expanding the UK’s National Science Week programme to become National Science and Engineering Week.

National Science and Engineering Week (which also includes Social Science Week) is supported by £280,000 of funding from the Department of Trade and Industry.

The BA is working in partnership with the Engineering and Technology Board (ETB) to broaden the scale and scope of the programme and to celebrate the vital contribution that engineering makes to society.

There will be a significant increase in engineering-related activities, the addition of some 500 engineering-focused events, and energy and climate change will again be a key focus during the week, building on the success of the Click for the Climate campaign during last year’s National Science Week.

Science and Innovation Minister, Lord Sainsbury said: “The UK public is very supportive of science and engineering, and I am pleased that the engineering community has come on board to enable us to create an expanded National Science and Engineering Week. This new approach will enable us to demonstrate the crucial role that engineering plays in wealth creation and improving the quality of our lives.

“It is important that all of us, particularly our young people, engage with science and engineering. National Science and Engineering Week provides us with an excellent opportunity to communicate to young people the exciting careers that exist in science and engineering, and how they can make a difference.

“I also particularly welcome the decision from the BA and the ETB to focus attention on energy and climate change as key issues that will permeate throughout the week. Encouraging personal engagement and responsibility in these areas will be vital if we are to meet the critical challenges of the future.”

Roland Jackson, Chief Executive of the BA said: "The public has an enormous interest in science and engineering; people want to find out about the latest developments and implications, but also expect scientists and engineers to listen to their priorities and their concerns. I am delighted that the engineering community, led by the Engineering and Technology Board (ETB) is working with us to encourage more engineers to participate in more public events for National Science and Engineering Week in March 2007, alongside the many scientists who are already involved."

John Morton, Chief Executive of the Engineering and Technology Board said: “The ETB is delighted to be working closely with The BA and all of us are looking forward to help build on the success of this established and respected programme.

“National Science and Engineering Week is a nationwide opportunity for the engineering community to work together to raise the profile of the profession and increase awareness of the contribution of engineering to our society.

“We value the opportunity to grow our partnership with The BA to deliver an engaging, successful and enjoyable National Science and Engineering Week 2007.”

The ETB is providing an engineering project officer to support the programme and liaise with professional engineering organisations, the engineering institutions through the IET, Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Mechanical Engineers, the Royal Aeronautical Society, the Royal Academy of Engineering and others to stimulate the 500 additional engineering-focused events.

ENDS

For Further Information:

Engineering organisations or engineers who are interested in getting involved in National Science and Engineering Week 2007 should contact Stuart Robinson at the BA (stuart.robinson@the-ba.net) for further information.

Science organisations or scientists who are interested in getting involved in National Science and Engineering Week 2007, should contact Joanna Rooke at the BA (joanna.rooke@the-ba.net) for further information.

Notes to Editors

1. The BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) is the UK's nationwide, open membership organisation dedicated to connecting science with people, so that science and its applications become accessible to all. The BA aims to promote openness about science in society and to engage and inspire people directly with science and technology and their implications. Established in 1831, the BA organises major initiatives across the UK, including the annual BA Festival of Science, National Science and Engineering Week, 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/nsew.

2. The Engineering and Technology Board (ETB) is a registered charity that seeks to promote the vital contribution that scientists, engineers and technologists make to prosperity and quality of life. We work in partnership with business and industry, Government, education and the profession to improve the perception of science, engineering and technology in the UK. The driving force behind these partnerships is the desire to ensure a supply of appropriately skilled individuals to meet the present and future SET skill needs of UK plc. For more information about the ETB please visit www.etechb.co.uk.

3. RCUK's participation in National Science Week helps it fulfil all four of the aims contained in its new Science in Society strategy. One of the ways in which it encourages engagement by its research communities is the RCUK National Science Week Awards, which provide up to £2000 for activities, such as public debates, talks, exhibits, hands-on demonstrations and laboratory visits. This competitive scheme is open to researchers funded by any of the eight Research Councils. Following on from the resounding success of the Social Science Week working alongside National Science Week, ESRC looks forward to continuing the partnership in 2007. Social Science Week celebrates some of the very best British social science research, highlighting the ways in which social science touches everyday lives, as well as demonstrating just how integral social science is to the wider science agenda.

4. During the Week, events are organised throughout the UK by a large and varied range of organisations and individuals including hospitals, schools, research institutions, industries and museums. Venues range from shopping centres to pubs and churches. In 2006 we estimate that about 600,000 people took part directly in around 2000 events. An essential feature of National Science and Engineering Week is the way it takes science and engineering to the public rather than waiting for the public to find science and engineering. The Week has drawn many scientists into the public domain to discuss their work with interested audiences.

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

	Home

	Press Office

	Press Releases

	2007 Press Releases

	2006 Press Releases

	2005 Press Releases

	2004 Press Releases