the-BA : Illuminate

Science is a colourful subject, both literally and in its exciting discoveries, and as part of National Science Week 2006, the BA and ESRC (Economic & Social Research Council) are launching Illuminate today, a photography competition aimed at capturing the colour in science.

Entrants of all ages are encouraged to send in images which they believe illustrates a colourful aspect of science. This could be anything from copper sulphate solution to buttercups, blue plaques for scientific achievement to neon pink signs for nightclubs.

‘For National Science Week2006, we are encouraging the public to think about science in the world around them,’ says Roland Jackson, Chief Executive of the BA, which also coordinates National Science Week. ‘“Illuminate” will hopefully make people stop and look again at what they see everyday and explore the science that is implicit in our surroundings.’

‘Science, engineering and the social sciences such as economics tell us much about how the world around us works,’ says Frances Cairncross, President of the BA and Chair of ESRC. ‘Asking people to capture the colour in science will reveal much about the world around us and about how we perceive it.’

The categories are:

7 years and under
8-12 years
13-16 years
Over 16 years
Best mobile phone picture (all ages)
ESRC Prize for Colour in Social Science

Entries must be submitted by Friday 10 February. The winners will be announced during National Science Week and the winning entries displayed at the Dana Centre, London.
National Science Week 2006 will take place between 10-19 March.

Over 500,000 people are expected to take part in 1,500 events throughout the UK. In addition, the BA and the ESRC will be inviting the public to “Click for the Climate” and pledge to make a small step towards combating climate change. For more information about National Science Week 2006, including free activity packs and an online programme, visit the National Science website.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Craig Brierley, Press Officer, the BA
Tel: 020 7019 4947
Email: craig.brierley@the-ba.net

Note for editors

1. The BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) exists to advance the understanding, accessibility and accountability of the sciences and engineering. This means helping create a social climate in which science, and the organisations dependent on it, advances with the involvement and active support of non-scientists. We aim to promote openness about science in society and to affirm science as a prime cultural force by engaging and inspiring adults and young people directly with science and technology, and their implications.

2. About National Science Week

National Science Week is coordinated by the BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science).
National Science Week is endorsed and supported by the Government through the Department of Trade and Industry and the Office of Science and Technology.
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 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 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.

2005 Vital Statistics

over 1,500 events from hands-on activities to discussions, tours and online activities
over 500,000 participants at events
high level of public awareness
A searchable database of events during National Science Week is available at www.the-ba.net/nsewprogramme.

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