the-BA : BA Press Release

Family at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich

For Immediate Release
1 November 2004

The Theory of Relativity is one of science’s most well-known theories (if not most well-understood!). Its author, Albert Einstein, was one of the greatest minds of the 20th Century, and a true genius. But whilst not everyone has a piece of theoretical physics up their sleeves, we all have a piece of poetry waiting to burst out.

To tie in with National Science Week (11-20 March 2005) and Einstein Year, the BA is launching universe, a competition based around the work of the celebrated physicist.

"Einstein’s Theory of Relativity was one of the most important theories of the Twentieth Century, yet few people understand its details," says Roland Jackson, Chief Executive of the BA. "However, its themes – time, space and energy – have captured all our imaginations. For National Science Week, we want to bring out the beauty and complexity of the physical world through poetry."

Budding poets are invited to submit poems on the themes of time, space and energy to this UK-wide competition. Poems may be in any style, from rhyme to sonnets, haiku to limericks, and must be no longer than 40 lines. There are five age groups:

4-7 years
8-11 years
12-15 years
16-18 years
Adults

Poems can be submitted online from January and the competition will run until 11 February. All poems must be submitted online at www.the-ba.net.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Craig Brierley, Press Officer, the BA
Tel: 020 7019 4947

Email: craig.brierley@the-ba.net

Note for picture editors

The BA can provide images to complement articles on this press release. Please contact the BA Press Office for details.

Note for editors

1. A wide collection of science-related poems can be found online, for example at: http://www.firstscience.com/site/poems.asp.

2. 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 Week, programmes of regional and local events, and an extensive programme for young people in schools and colleges.

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