the-BA : BA Press Release

Image: sharing science's wow factor with young people

Embargoed until 00.01 Thursday 22 May 2008

If we are to engage and inspire young people with science, it is important that they find it exciting, interesting and relevant, argues Roland Jackson, Chief Executive of the BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science). A recent study in which only 10 per cent of young people said they considered science a good career choice for them highlights how important this is if the UK is to continue to produce good quality science graduates.

‘At the BA, we are always working with scientists and education specialists to ensure that the activities we provide bring science alive for children and young people,’ says Dr Jackson. ‘We want to share the wow factor that science has to offer and ignite the huge enthusiasm that children demonstrate when something captures their imagination.’

Dr Jackson’s comments coincide with the launch of the programme of young people’s activities at the BA Festival of Science, which will take place at the University of Liverpool and across the city from 6-11 September. The programme is currently being delivered to schools and events are expected to book up quickly.

A wide variety of hands-on demonstrations and workshops are on offer, from ‘Bending it like Beckham’ (where students can learn why David Beckham is not just a footballing genius but a scientific one, and have the opportunity to try to replicate his killer free kicks), to ‘Biobubble’ (the UK’s largest cell that helps students shrink themselves half a million times and see what goes on inside us). Older students can also join TV science presenter Jonathan Hare to find out how realistic the science behind some of Hollywood’s classic movies and stunts is.

In addition, there are a number of events that give young people the opportunity to speak to scientists about what matters to them. Topics for these ‘BAckchat’ sessions include looking at the human impact on marine biodiversity; whether and how individual efforts to help the environment work; and the impact of computer games, both educational and recreational, on the capacity to learn.

It is hoped that bringing students into contact with practising scientists, giving them the chance to share their views, and showing that science and engineering impact on such a wide range of things relevant to them, will help improve the perception among young people that science and engineering is a good career option for them. A recent survey ‘Public Attitudes to Science 2008’ commissioned by the Research Councils UK and the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) indicated that while 16-24 year olds were amazed by the achievements of science, only one in ten said science would make a good career choice.

All schools in Greater Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Warrington and other areas of the North West will receive a copy of the programme through the post. If you do not receive one, please email j.c.foulkes@ljmu.ac.uk. Alternatively, it is available to download from www.the-ba.net/festivalofscience, where you will also find information about the programme of events for adults and families.

The BA Festival of Science will take place in Liverpool from 6-11 September bringing over 350 of the UK’s top scientists to discuss the latest developments in science with the public. In addition to talks and debates at the University of Liverpool, there will be a host of events happening throughout the city as part of the European Capital of Culture celebrations.

This year’s BA Festival of Science is organised 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. The Schools’ programme is coordinated by SETPOINT Greater Merseyside, Cheshire and Warrington.

ENDS

For further information and images contact:

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

Notes for editors

1. Images are available from the BA Press Office.

2. 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, please visit www.the-ba.net.

3. The University of Liverpool is a member of the Russell Group of leading research-intensive institutions in the UK. It attracts collaborative and contract research commissions from a wide range of national and international organisations valued at more than £108 million annually. For more information visit www.liv.ac.uk.

4. Greater Merseyside, Cheshire and Warrington SETPOINTs support the effective learning of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) in schools and colleges. Last year they provided activities and programmes for over 15,000 pupils in over 300 Primary and Secondary Schools and Colleges. They aim to promote the progression of young people to STEM careers and HE courses, supplying advice to schools on a wide range of STEM enrichment and enhancement opportunities and managing the Science and Engineering Ambassadors scheme that supports STEM in schools. For further information go to www.merseysidesetpoint.org.uk or http://www.setpointcheshire.org.uk

5. The Liverpool Culture Company was established by Liverpool City Council in 2000 to lead the city’s bid to be European Capital of Culture 2008. In June 2003, following a two-year nationwide competition featuring 12 cities, Liverpool was chosen as the UK’s representative for 2008. The programme for 2008 includes more than 350 events and festivals – many of which are free – delivered in collaboration with major cultural institutions, artists, performers and venues throughout Liverpool and beyond. For more information visit www.liverpool08.com.

6. The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) leads the economic development and regeneration of England's Northwest and is responsible for: supporting business growth and encouraging investment; matching skills provision to employer needs; creating the conditions for economic growth; connecting the region through effective transport and communication infrastructure; and promoting the region’s outstanding quality of life. For further information and to view previous press releases visit us at www.nwda.co.uk.

7. The Public Attitudes to Science 2008 survey report and guide can be found on the RCUK website at www.rcuk.ac.uk/sis/pas.htm.

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