British Association for the Advancement of Science, an organization in the United Kingdom, promotes the public understanding and the responsible practice of the sciences and of engineering. People commonly refer to the organization simply as the BA. Through its programs, the BA encourages the public discussion of science and enables adults and young people to communicate with scientists and technology experts. At BA events, scientists and the public share the excitement of the latest scientific developments and discuss issues related to recent advances.
The BA’s major programs include the BA Festival of Science, National Science and Engineering Week, and BA CREST. The BA Festival of Science ranks as the largest annual science festival in Europe. It includes hundreds of lectures, debates, exhibitions, and other events, which are attended by tens of thousands of people. National Science and Engineering Week celebrates science and engineering and their importance to everyday life. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people take part in thousands of National Science and Engineering Week activities across the United Kingdom. BA CREST enables young people to participate in science and technology projects. CREST stands for Creativity in Science and Technology. BA CREST is the United Kingdom’s only national accreditation scheme (program with certified standards) for youth science and technology project work.
A group of scientists founded the BA in 1831. The organization maintains its headquarters in London and has branches and regional officers throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
See also Lonsdale, Dame Kathleen .
