British Science Association
LightNews LightNews
banner
britsciassoc.bsky.social
British Science Association
@britsciassoc.bsky.social
2.2K followers 500 following 190 posts
Creating a future where science is more relevant, representative, and connected to society.

We work with partners to bring people and science together.

www.britishscienceassociation.org
www.britishsciencefestival.org
www.crestawards.org
Posts Replies Media Videos
Reposted by British Science Association
rsc.org
Join us for a live webinar with @royalsociety.org to see how we can make science more accessible for everyone.

Hear from members of our Inclusion and Diversity Committee and watch a panel of invited speakers discuss improving inclusion in STEM.

Save the date and the link: rsc.li/4o5uCht

#ChemSky
Working together to address the barriers for disabled scientists - Tuesday 25th November
November 21, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Reposted by British Science Association
theyoungfdn.bsky.social
🗓️In December we'll be a part of Reimagining Research, an online event hosted by @britsciassoc.bsky.social 📢

Hear from those working with communities, like the Rural Durham Community Research Network, and explore ideas of how this work can shape future research to collaboratively address challenges.
New event on 4th December: Reimagining Research
The Ideas Fund is a grants programme run by the British Science Association and funded by Wellcome.
bit.ly
November 18, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Reposted by British Science Association
britsciassoc.bsky.social
🎤 Are you an early career researcher passionate about communicating with the wider public? Applications for the 2026 British Science Festival Award Lectures are now open!

Next year's Festival is in Southampton, 16-20 Sept.

Find out more and apply >

www.britishscienceassociation.org/award-lectures
Award Lectures
Details on how to become an Award Lecturer at the British Science Festival
www.britishscienceassociation.org
November 18, 2025 at 11:44 AM
britsciassoc.bsky.social
🎤 Are you an early career researcher passionate about communicating with the wider public? Applications for the 2026 British Science Festival Award Lectures are now open!

Next year's Festival is in Southampton, 16-20 Sept.

Find out more and apply >

www.britishscienceassociation.org/award-lectures
Award Lectures
Details on how to become an Award Lecturer at the British Science Festival
www.britishscienceassociation.org
November 18, 2025 at 11:44 AM
Reposted by British Science Association
stemdandiappg.bsky.social
Our call for ideas is open. Got ideas about future activities for the group to undertake in relation to equality, equity, diversity and inclusion in STEM? Visit the @britsciassoc.bsky.social site for more information and forms. Closes 11 Dec 2025:

www.britishscienceassociation.org/appg-on-di-i...
APPG on D&I in STEM: Call for ideas
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Diversity and Inclusion in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) are opening a call for ideas which will determine the next piece of work for th...
www.britishscienceassociation.org
November 13, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Reposted by British Science Association
britsciassoc.bsky.social
In just seven weeks, A-Level student Tom researched, designed and built a lightweight, low-cost, and accurate device to support communication. His project, inspired by his cousin, a young man with cerebral palsy, has now received a Gold CREST Award!

www.britishscienceassociation.org/news/a-level...
A-Level student builds highly-accurate budget Sign-Language-to-speech wrist technology
A lightweight arm device designed by a 17-year-old scientist to support communication for deaf and mute people could cost just a fraction of the price of existing tech. Tom Partridge’s project has bee...
www.britishscienceassociation.org
November 11, 2025 at 2:43 PM
britsciassoc.bsky.social
The school, Hillhead Primary in Glasgow's West End, also says that #BritishScienceWeek every March is a "highlight of the school calendar". Great news! We agree. Find out more about the week and download the #BSW26 taster Activity Pack here >>

www.britishscienceweek.org
British Science Week homepage - British Science Week
British Science Week is an annual ten-day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths. In 2026 it is taking place between 6-15 March!
www.britishscienceweek.org
November 12, 2025 at 9:38 AM
britsciassoc.bsky.social
"I have always thought that chemistry is a really interesting part of science. It's a bit like magic.”
- Solomon, a primary three pupil

We love this article from Glasgow Times, which asks young people about their favourite science subjects and activities:

www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/2560884...
'Science helps my brain get stronger': Glasgow pupils' delight at school's award win
Delighted pupils are celebrating after their school won a national prize for its approach to science, technology, engineering and maths.
www.glasgowtimes.co.uk
November 12, 2025 at 9:36 AM
britsciassoc.bsky.social
It's incredibly impressive work from a 17-year-old scientist.

Tom's next steps are to study engineering at university - he's got a keen interest in robotics 🤖

Find out more about his work in our case study blog on the CREST Awards website:

www.crestawards.org/about-crest/...
Shot of Tom's prototype device, attached to the arm and wrist. Some wires connect sensors on forearm to a small computer inside a 3D printed case on a wrist strap and ring-like finger strap.
November 11, 2025 at 2:48 PM
britsciassoc.bsky.social
In just seven weeks, A-Level student Tom researched, designed and built a lightweight, low-cost, and accurate device to support communication. His project, inspired by his cousin, a young man with cerebral palsy, has now received a Gold CREST Award!

www.britishscienceassociation.org/news/a-level...
A-Level student builds highly-accurate budget Sign-Language-to-speech wrist technology
A lightweight arm device designed by a 17-year-old scientist to support communication for deaf and mute people could cost just a fraction of the price of existing tech. Tom Partridge’s project has bee...
www.britishscienceassociation.org
November 11, 2025 at 2:43 PM
britsciassoc.bsky.social
ScienceWrite is a mentoring scheme for aspiring and early-career minoritised and marginalised UK-based STEM writers, supported by @royalsociety.org and co-founded by @hanaayoob.co.uk @romatheengineer.bsky.social.

There's just a week to go until this year's deadline >>
hanaayoob.co.uk Hana Ayoob @hanaayoob.co.uk · Oct 20
ScienceWrite 2026 is open for applications! 🧪

Our programme for minoritised/marginalised science writers based in the UK is running again!

Have an idea for a book, article or other writing project for a lay audience? This is for you!

Apply & find out more at sciencewrite.co.uk
A handdrawn laptop with 'Apply for sciencewrite' on the screen and 'Deadline 10am 17th November 2025, sciencewrite.co.uk' underneath
November 10, 2025 at 9:43 AM
britsciassoc.bsky.social
Well deserved! Huge congratulations to one of our brilliant trustees @sciwithrach.bsky.social! >>
thetransmitter.bsky.social The Transmitter @thetransmitter.bsky.social · 17d
Congratulations to @sciwithrach.bsky.social winner of @womeninneurouk.bsky.social's Communicator of the Year Award, sponsored by @thetransmitter.bsky.sociall. This award celebrates Honeyghan-Williams’ unwavering commitment to translating neuroscience to diverse audiences.
November 10, 2025 at 9:19 AM
Reposted by British Science Association
raeng.org.uk
Happy #NationalEngineeringDay! 🚀
Today, we’ve launched the AI–Z of Engineering: a digital map with over 200 current and future roles showing how engineers shape our world today and tomorrow, built with input from over 100 engineers and powered by AI: raeng.org.uk/news/nationa...
National Engineering Day celebrations kick off across the UK
raeng.org.uk
November 5, 2025 at 8:01 AM
britsciassoc.bsky.social
The British Science Association has given a cautious welcome to the Curriculum and Assessment Review final report, and the Department for Education’s response.

Visit our news pages for more, incl. comment from our Chief Executive Hannah Russell:

www.britishscienceassociation.org/news/a-cauti...
A cautious welcome for key recommendations in Curriculum and Assessment Review
The British Science Association has given a cautious welcome to today’s final report on the Curriculum and Assessment Review, and the Department for Education’s (DfE) response.
www.britishscienceassociation.org
November 5, 2025 at 1:50 PM
Reposted by British Science Association
tomsharperocks.bsky.social
30 October 1846: a newspaper reported that a fund had been set up by the geologists at that year's @britsciassoc.bsky.social meeting in Southampton to raise money for ailing fossil dealer #MaryAnning, 'an old woman' (she was 47), following a fire at her home in Lyme Regis.
Portrait of Mary Anning wearing a green cloak and straw bonnet. Extract from a newspaper about a subscription raised to help Mary Anning after a fire at her home.
October 30, 2025 at 7:31 AM
Reposted by British Science Association
cf-trailfinder.bsky.social
This #WorldPhageWeek, we are looking back to the #BritishScienceFestival and some of the brilliant phage drawings, comments, and poems created by visitors to our stand. A collab between @liverpooluni.bsky.social and @salforduni.bsky.social. Festival run by @britsciassoc.bsky.social
Part 1 of a poem by a visitor, it reads: I am a happy bacterium But now on my skin I feel the tiny touches Of something fearful Trying to come in Oh help! I cry What will become of me? I'm defenceless, and this phage wants its tea! Part 2 of poem by visitor, it reads: But WHY am I defenceless still? Do I exist only so phages can kill? Surely my armour can soon improve, And my sword can soon these phages remove! Drawing by visitor of phages and a bacterium Drawing by visitor of a phage
October 24, 2025 at 9:49 AM
britsciassoc.bsky.social
🔊 We're looking for an Operations Officer and Committee Secretary to increase our internal HR function, support our Operations and Core Services team, and service the committees which advise and oversee the BSA

Closing date - Wednesday 5 November

www.britishscienceassociation.org/operations-o...
Operations Officer and Committee Secretary
We're looking for an Operations Officer and Committee Secretary to increase our internal human resources capacity, provide support for our Operations and Core services function, including supporting t...
www.britishscienceassociation.org
October 22, 2025 at 9:06 AM
Reposted by British Science Association
livuniresearch.bsky.social
On Sunday 14 September, at the British Science Festival attendees at the Museum of Liverpool were treated to a glimpse of the present and future of Chemistry with the @liverpooluni.bsky.social’s Robo-Chemist.

@britsciassoc.bsky.social

www.liverpool.ac.uk/research/new...
October 14, 2025 at 4:19 PM
britsciassoc.bsky.social
At #BSF25 in Liverpool, we were delighted to welcome ABC The Science Show presenter Robyn Williams for the FIFTIETH time.

For Part I of his show, he spoke to @flintdibble.bsky.social, Scouse Scientist Holly Ellis, @ljmuofficial.bsky.social's Keith George & others:

www.abc.net.au/listen/progr...
Reports from The British Science Festival in Liverpool England - ABC listen
The BA, as it was known, established in 1831, was set up to advance science in the interest of the people, old and young, professional and lay. So, how well is it doing now amid international turmoil.
www.abc.net.au
October 10, 2025 at 10:36 AM
britsciassoc.bsky.social
A new report surveying 1,200+ teachers on the current state of primary school science education in the UK shows encouraging improvements, alongside a number of concerning signs for confidence in science teaching and leadership >>

www.britishscienceassociation.org/News/confide...
Confidence and support to teach science has fallen, primary education report suggests
New research on the current state of primary school science education in the UK shows encouraging improvements, alongside a number of concerning signs for confidence in science teaching and leadership...
www.britishscienceassociation.org
October 8, 2025 at 8:44 AM
britsciassoc.bsky.social
“I learned to take the sewing machine apart, so I suppose it started there...”

At the British Science Festival in Liverpool, our 2025-26 BSA President, Baroness Brown, spoke on the origins of her love for science, her career, and the future:

www.britishscienceassociation.org/blog/julia-k...
Julia King, Baroness Brown of Cambridge's presidential address
President of the British Science Association for 2025/26 Julia King, Baroness Brown of Cambridge gave her presidential address at the British Science Festival in a fireside chat with Turi King. They d...
www.britishscienceassociation.org
October 6, 2025 at 11:33 AM
britsciassoc.bsky.social
What can employers do to create a more inclusive environment?

In a new guest blog, Dr Frankie Doddato, physicist at Lancaster University, writes on the vital role of the National Association of Disabled Staff Networks, and its STEMM Action Group:

www.britishscienceassociation.org/Blog/disable...
Image of a scientist in white lab coat, with a pipette and testtube. They are wearing a white lab coat and are a wheelchair user. Other scientists work in the background. A quote overlayed says "it's through change that science progresses, and good science is diverse and inclusive, including for disabled people. We are here, within science as scientists." - Dr Frankie Doddato
October 3, 2025 at 12:39 PM
britsciassoc.bsky.social
In a new blog, the BSA's Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Martha Kirby, reflects on the British Science Festival #BSF25 in Liverpool, and on the importance of hands-on science education - for all ages - that engages and inspires:

www.britishscienceassociation.org/Blog/reflect...
Reflections on the British Science Festival in Liverpool
The BSA's Head of Policy and Public affairs Martha Kirby reflects on the British Science Festival 2025, and on the importance of hands-on science education - for all ages - that engages and inspires.
www.britishscienceassociation.org
October 2, 2025 at 2:34 PM
britsciassoc.bsky.social
“There is still an awful lot left and that’s what we’ve got to fight to save.”

Thank you Dr Jane Goodall – primatologist, conservationist, an expert and a revolutionary, who lived a long and incredible life working tirelessly for our planet.

www.theguardian.com/science/2025...
Jane Goodall, world-renowned primatologist, dies aged 91
Jane Goodall Institute says ‘tireless advocate’ for natural world died in California during US speaking tour
www.theguardian.com
October 2, 2025 at 8:25 AM
britsciassoc.bsky.social
These images by Tommy Wong of dance company Movema at Liverpool Cathedral during the British Science Festival are too beautiful to just keep to Instagram. But join us on there for more!

In the background, artwork by Maria Loizidou 🕊️

Taking Flight was programmed with Liverpool Biennial 🪶

#BSF25
Two female dancers in huge beautiful birds' wings and colourful makeup bow facing each other on the steps of a large Cathedral, a tapestry depicting birds hanging in the background A female dancer looks to the ceiling, her one bird wing in front of her and the other raised. She is East Asian with black hair, orange makeup. Light shines through the cathedral's stained glass behind.
September 29, 2025 at 9:20 AM