As the 31st British Science Week draws to a close, President of the British Science Association, Professor Kevin Fenton, offers his reflections on the annual celebration of science, research and innovation.

Over the last three decades, British Science Week has become firmly established as an important calendar moment; across the UK, thousands of schools, community groups, charities, cultural institutions, universities, research organisations and STEM businesses stop to celebrate science in all its forms. For some, it may be the only time they organise a science event, for others it is a chance to shine a spotlight on the importance and relevance of the work they do year-round.  

Professor Kevin Fenton, BSA President

For the British Science Association (BSA), it is a fantastic opportunity for us to involve individuals and organisations in our goal of bringing people and science together. 

Highlights for me have been seeing so many schools tune into live lessons delivered by our partners including BBC Teach (featuring British astronaut Tim Peake) and the National Farmers’ Union; and the sheer breadth and inventiveness of the activities and experiential content on offer at festivals and science centres up and down the country, such as Colliderfest in Hull and the Centre for Life in Newcastle (with its wonderful giant, illuminated robotic snail).

British Science Week also provides an opportunity to highlight the crucial role of science, research and innovation in people’s lives, our society and the environment – and its importance for economic growth.  

An omnibus survey, commissioned by the BSA and published on the eve of this year’s British Science Week, showed huge public support for science and research: 81% of adults said that science and research make a valuable contribution to society, and 77% agreed that it is good for the country’s economy.  

However, science cannot be truly beneficial for all of society if all of society is not represented in science. And so, for me, another highlight of British Science Week was the ‘Smashing Stereotypes’ campaign. Running across the BSA’s social and digital platforms, Smashing Stereotypes celebrates people in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and STEM-related jobs, who share stories about their career journeys and day-to-day working lives.  

As well as highlighting role models to inspire future generations, the campaign aims to raise awareness of the issue of demographic inequity in the STEM workforce. This year’s campaign featured two disabled scientists – Dr Nic Bonne and Dr Sophie Meekings – who are among the 11% of the STEM workforce with a disability (lower than the wider workforce where 14% are disabled people).  

As I shared in my Presidential Address at the British Science Festival in September, it is essential that young people from all backgrounds feel empowered, valued, and able to fully participate in society, whether in their communities, education, or careers. When belonging, esteem, and opportunity are nurtured, young people can overcome limiting beliefs, build confidence, and embrace their full potential. Fostering this sense of hope and possibility is key to enabling them to thrive and achieve great things.

Young people from underrepresented backgrounds in the UK, whether due to socio-economic status, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or disability, are far less likely to see themselves reflected in the STEM workforce. Many may feel that science is not for people like them. That’s why initiatives like Smashing Stereotypes are crucial, breaking down barriers, challenging perceptions, and inspiring the next generation to see STEM as a space where they belong and can thrive.

A burgeoning library of Smashing Stereotypes stories and videos, along with the suite of British Science Week education activity packs from this year and previous years, is available – not only as a practical resource for British Science Week, but all year round.

Whatever you did to celebrate British Science Week, thank you: for opening up your work or workplace to public audiences; for consciously curating content that engaged underrepresented groups; and for delivering activities that gave your students a sense of wonder, sparked their curiosity, or enabled them to carry out a hands-on, real-world project.

By being one of the hundreds of thousands of people who participated in this year's celebrations, you have contributed to the BSA’s vital work towards a future where science is more relevant, representative and connected to society.