British Association for the Advancement of Science

The British Association or the British Association for the Advancement of Science or the BA is a learned society with the object of promoting science, directing general attention to scientific matters, and facilitating intercourse between scientific workers.

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It was founded in 1831 by William Vernon Harcourt, after a suggestion by Sir David Brewster, who was disillusioned with the elitist and conservative attitude of the Royal Society. The first meeting was held in York on September 27 of that year. From that date a meeting was held annually at some place chosen at a previous meeting.

Related Topics:
1831 - William Vernon Harcourt - David Brewster - Royal Society - York

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Ironically, perhaps the BA's most momentous influence on science was in 1878 when a committee of the BA recommended against constructing Charles Babbage's analytical engine. This decision may have delayed the computer revolution by many decades.

Related Topics:
Charles Babbage - Analytical engine

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The Association's major emphasis in recent decades has been on the public understanding of science. Its annual meeting, now called the Festival of Science, is the largest public showcase for science in the U.K. and attracts a great deal of media attention. The Association also runs a youth branch, British Association Young Scientists, which seeks to inform school students about science beyond the school curriculum, and to encourage them to consider higher education and careers in science.

Related Topics:
Public understanding of science - U.K.

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